DesignSTS Network

DesignSTS network connects and helps knowledge sharing among researchers whose work intertwines design and science and technology studies (STS). Design and STS hold many connections that run both ways. Both are deeply interested in the mutual shaping of ’the social’ and ’the material’, and recognize how social, technical, scientific, political, economic, organizational and environmental (and so on) matters cannot be meaningfully pulled apart and treated separately when studying them ’in the making’. 

STS theories, concepts and sensitivities increasingly have informed design research regarding, for instances, the practical realization of design, material agency, public engagement, ethics and values embedded in and through designs and contextualizing design within wider sociotechnical change. In turn, design increasingly informs ’socially engaged STS’, hands-on research designs and blending between constructive and analytical approaches to studying society and technology in the making. Domain-wise the intertwinements of design and STS can be found across a wide range from participatory design, design ethics, sustainable design, studies of design processes to material engagement and energy transformations in and through design.  

The DesignSTS network spans several areas of design and research groups within and outwith Aalto University department of design. Its common ways of working include inviting its members to in-research group reading and article discussion sessions, topical seminars and guest lectures.