Author: Yaneva, Albena

Source: Design and Culture, Volume 1, Number 3, November 2009 , pp. 273-288(16)

Publisher: Berg Publishers

Abstract:

The article illustrates the potentials of an Actor-Network Theory (ANT) perspective to design. Drawing on ANT's assumption that objects with their scripts and incorporated programs of action compel and rearticulate new social ties, I argue that design triggers specific ways of enacting the social. It is impossible to understand how a society works without appreciating how design shapes, conditions, facilitates and makes possible everyday sociality. Viewed as a type of connector, not as a separate cold domain of material relations, design's investigation might shed light on other types of non-social ties that are brought together to make the social durable. The article also discusses some steps towards an ANT of design and suggests a new research program for design studies.

Keywords: DESIGN; ACTOR-NETWORK THEORY; SOCIETY; SOCIAL TIES; SCRIPT; BRUNO LATOUR

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/174967809X12556950208826

Publication date: 2009-11-01

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