Entangled with Systems of Oppression? Thinking with onto-cartography in design research

Anja Neidhardt-Mokoena, Humlab

In design research there is a growing understanding that major parts of our discipline are involved with systems of oppression. In such discourse, design is often described as “entangled with systems of oppression” or “haunted by patriarchy”. But, what exactly does that mean? In this presentation, Anja Neidhardt-Mokoena introduces how thinking with onto-cartography, combined with a feminist approach, can support us in understanding more precisely how certain design institutions (such as design museums) reproduce systems of oppression. This is not only crucial for making sense of the current situation (in and beyond the design discipline), but also for identifying points of leverage where we can intervene and bring about positive change. The presentation is based on Anja’s PhD thesis Feminist Design Strategies for Transforming Design Museums Towards More Justice (2024, at Umeå Institute of Design and Umeå Centre for Gender Studies).