Design for the Surreal World? A New Model of Socially Responsible Design

Abstract

This article presents a new model for Socially Responsible Design (SRD) that takes into account the social and economic context governing design activity and influencing the design agenda. The new SRD Model focuses attention on the products, environments, services and systems that can alleviate real world problems and improve quality of life. It encourages designers to use their unique skills to address issues of crime, education, government, health, fair trade, ecology, social inclusion and economic policy. The SRD model is presented as a practical alternative to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)— a business management approach that focuses on corporate governance and reflects issues facing global corporations. It demands that businesses undertake actions that impact positively on society, and raises questions about the extent to which producers of harmful products can be considered socially responsible.