ISMAT 7251

Design Seminar

• ApresentaçãoPresentation

  The Seminar Course is conceived as an open space for reflection and experimentation, aimed at exploring approaches that complement design education, namely speculative design. It encompasses different domains and promotes engagement with diverse areas of design, as well as direct interaction with varied audiences. In doing so, it seeks to consolidate learning and provide theoretical, conceptual, and practical frameworks that support the development of design practice within society from a holistic and transdisciplinary perspective. In the current academic year, the main focus of the course is centred on critical, fictional, and speculative design.
• ProgramaProgramme

  The course focuses on critical analysis and speculative projection applied to substance consumption and its social perception. Historical, social, and cultural framing of consumption, considering economic, political, and media impacts. Analysis of the boundaries between medical, therapeutic, recreational, and illegal use, and the transformation of norms and public discourse. Study of regulation policies, decriminalisation, repression, and harm reduction, including ethical implications. Exploration of the role of technology and artificial intelligence in shaping perceptions and behaviours. Development of future scenarios up to 2075 through speculative design. Proposal of concrete responses in the present, based on the projected scenarios. The course integrates research, critical thinking, and future construction, fostering an informed and responsible stance towards contemporary challenges.
• ObjectivosObjectives

  The main objective of the course is to expose students to different perspectives and fields of practice, developing their ability to observe, question, design, and critically debate the multiple issues that run through design, with a particular focus on speculative design and the construction of future scenarios. By the end of the semester, students should be able to approach, design, and critically analyse current societal problems, mobilising appropriate conceptual frameworks and developing well-grounded proposals. They should also demonstrate the ability to articulate and critically express ideas about fields of knowledge related to the course, understanding the complexity, implications, and risks of design practice, and adopting an ethical, informed, and responsible stance.
• BibliografiaBibliography

  Dunne, A., & Raby, F. (2013). Speculative Everything: Design, Fiction, and Social Dreaming. MIT Press. Malpass, M. (2017). Critical Design in Context. Bloomsbury. Auger, J. (2013). Speculative design: crafting the speculation. Digital Creativity, 24(1). Mitrovi¿, I. (2015). Speculative Design: Practices and Perspectives.  
• MetodologiaMethodology

  The course adopts active, student-centred methodologies, combining project-based learning, speculative scenario building, and critical analysis of complex societal issues. The process integrates applied research, worldbuilding exercises, strategic backcasting, and regular moments of critique and formative feedback. Structured debates and case analysis are complemented by direct engagement with invited specialists, providing academic and professional perspectives. Whenever possible, interaction with society is encouraged through the public discussion of themes and the presentation of proposals to external audiences. These methodologies strengthen autonomy, critical thinking, argumentative skills, and an ethical, socially responsible stance.
• LínguaLanguage

  Português
• TipoType

  Semestral
• ECTS

  4
• NaturezaNature

  Mandatory
• EstágioInternship

  Não