designdiscoursen
Designdiscoursen is a term used in design studies to denote the body of discussion surrounding design as a social, cultural, and ethical activity. It combines design with discourse to emphasize that design is not only a technical craft but also a field of ideas, debates, and interpretation. The term is used in design scholarship, particularly in Nordic and European contexts, to frame critical inquiry into how design shapes and is shaped by users, markets, institutions, and politics.
The scope of designdiscoursen includes design ethics, sustainability, accessibility, participatory design, aesthetics, material culture, representation, and
Historically, designdiscoursen arose from the expansion of design studies in the late 20th century, as scholars
In practice, the concept informs curricula, research, and critique, encouraging designers and institutions to reflect on
See also: design studies, design criticism, design ethics, critical design, design thinking.