Critical Engineering Design Pt 2

Summary

In this video, David Tomlin and Nicole Mogul explore the impact of engineering design on social hierarchies, drawing inspiration from Ruha Benjamin's 'Race After Technology.' They discuss how 'hostile design' excludes certain groups, such as homeless individuals, and contrast it with inclusive design exemplified by affordable housing in the Netherlands. The speakers also address the exclusionary nature of traditional gender-segregated bathrooms and the potential for redesigning spaces to be more inclusive. They advocate for democratic participation in design processes to empower people and challenge societal norms.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses critical engineering design with a focus on inclusive and exclusive design examples.
• 💡 The inspiration comes from Ruha Benjamin's book 'Race After Technology', which addresses the issue of default discrimination in algorithms and computing.
• 🔨 The concept of 'hostile design' is introduced, exemplified by benches designed to exclude homeless people from resting.
• 🏠 An example of subverting social hierarchy through design is shown with inclusive housing in the Netherlands for young people and refugees.
• 🚻 The video points out how certain bathroom designs exclude intravenous drug users, questioning the societal approach to drug culture and addiction.
• 🚗 It criticizes 'exclusive design' in roads that prioritize car traffic, often excluding those who cannot afford cars or meet legal requirements to drive.
• 🛣️ The 'road diet' concept is presented as a way to make roads inclusive by reducing space for cars and increasing it for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transport.
• 🚻 The traditional gender-segregated restrooms are highlighted as an example of design that excludes non-binary and transgender individuals.
• 🛠️ The video uses the example of gendered tools to illustrate how design can reinforce societal norms and how rethinking these can challenge stereotypes.
• 🏫 It encourages students to observe campus designs through an ethnographic lens to identify inclusivity and exclusivity in their context.
• 🌐 The importance of democratic involvement in design discussions is emphasized, as seen in the implementation of non-binary bathrooms on campus.

Q & A

Who are the presenters of the video?

David Tomlin and Nicole Mogul are the presenters of the video.

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The main topic discussed is critical and inclusive engineering design, with examples of inclusive and exclusive designs.

What book by Ruha Benjamin is mentioned in the video?

The book mentioned is 'Race After Technology' by Ruha Benjamin.

What concept does Ruha Benjamin introduce regarding design?

Ruha Benjamin introduces the concept that the way we engineer the material world reflects and reinforces social hierarchies, but can also be used to subvert them.

What is an example of a design that excludes certain groups of people?

An example of an exclusive design is hostile design, such as benches that prevent people from lying down or skateboarding, which is intended to keep out homeless people.

What is the alternative to hostile design that promotes inclusivity?

An example of an inclusive design is affordable housing projects, like those in the Netherlands focused on providing housing for young people and refugees.

How do exclusive designs in public bathrooms exclude certain groups?

Exclusive designs in public bathrooms may exclude intravenous drug users by creating environments that discourage drug use instead of providing safe spaces for them.

What is a 'road diet' and how does it promote inclusive design?

A 'road diet' reduces the amount of road space dedicated to cars and increases space for bicyclists, pedestrians, and buses, which can make people feel safer and increase vehicle throughput.

How does traditional gendered bathroom design reflect societal values?

Traditional gendered bathroom design reflects societal values by separating people based on gender, which can exclude non-binary and transgender individuals.

What example is given to illustrate gendered design in household products?

An example of gendered design in household products is a drill designed for men and a blender designed for women, which a Swedish designer reimagined to challenge these gender norms.

How can design be used to empower people and create inclusivity?

Design can be used to empower people and create inclusivity by engaging more people in the discussion and creating designs that accommodate diverse needs and perspectives, such as non-binary bathrooms.

What activity is suggested for students to explore campus design inclusivity?

Students are suggested to perform an ethnographic observation on campus, spending 30 minutes observing campus design in its context and relating their observations to the video's concepts.