Seminar series: A hundred years of design and democracy

This year marks 100 years since universal and equal suffrage became a reality in Sweden. In the period since then, design has been a powerful driving force in societal development. Linköping University is organising an interdisciplinary seminar series in which we intend to illuminate the role of design in the development of democracy.

Historical picture women demonstrate for the right to vote. Photo credit Nordiska museet

2021 is the centenary of democracy in Sweden. This seminar series is one way to make visible the role played by design through the shifting nature of society during the past 100 years. The formulations used in the Instrument of Government, which include, for example that all public power proceeds from the people, and that the personal, economic and cultural welfare of the individual shall be fundamental aims of public activity, have constituted an interweaving of design and democracy.

The seminar series will also provide an opportunity to speculate about the role of design in the democracy of the future. Four seminars chaired by Love Jönsson and Dan Hill will be arranged during the year, with participants from several Nordic universities of design.

The seminars will take up four themes: the first will present a perspective based on the history of design; the second will take its starting point in the creative person; the third will seek to connect design, politics and welfare; while the fourth will look to the future.

We look forward to seeing you at this open seminar series: “A hundred years of design and democracy”.

A hundred years of design and democracy

Seminar: A hundred years of design and democracy – All roads lead here

12 March 2021 9.00-11.30 am

Researchers from several Nordic universities of design will discuss how design has influenced the democratic process and vice versa.

The first part will deal with a historical perspective.

Moderator: Love Jönsson – Rian designmuseum

A panel discussion between: Maria Göransdotter – Umeå University, Anna Ingemark – Linköping University, Astrid Skjerven – Oslo Metropolitan University and Arina Stoenescu – Södertörn University.

The seminar is open to all: preregistration is not required.

More information and a video about the seminar “All roads lead here”. (In Swedish)

Seminar: A hundred years of design and democracy – Creative citizens

28 May 2021 9.00-11.30 am

Researchers from several Nordic universities of design will discuss how design has influenced the democratic process and vice versa. The second part will discuss the creative citizen.

Moderator: Love Jönsson – Rian designmuseum

A panel discussion between: Erik Sigurdson – Umeå University, Andreas Nobel – Linköping University, Anna Seravalli – Malmö University and Frida Hållander – Konstfack.

The seminar is open to all: preregistration is not required.

More information and a video about the seminar “Creative citizens”. (In Swedish)

Seminar: A hundred years of design and democracy – The politics of design, and the design of politics

29 September 2021 9.00-11.30 am

The political in design, as well as how design is part of the political.

Moderator: Dan Hill, Vinnova

A panel discussion between: Emma Blomkamp – The University of Melbourne and Charles Stuart University. Pelle Ehn – Malmö Universitet. Vanessa Rodrigues – Linköping University and Samordningsförbundet Centrala Östergötland. Tristan Schultz – University of Technology, Sydney and RMIT, Melbourne.

More information and a video about the seminar “The politics of design, and the design of politics”. (In English)

Seminar: A hundred years of design and democracy – Visions for the future

17 December 2021 9.00-11.30 am.

Moderator: Dan Hill, Vinnova

A panel discussion between: Erling Björgvinsson – Academy of Design and Crafts, Carl DiSalvo – Georgia Institute of Technology, Pelle Ehn – Malmö University, Petter Falk – Karlstad University, Maria Göransdotter – Umeå University, Stefan Holmlid – Linköping University, Magdalena Malm – ArkDes, Pia McAleenan – SVID, Anna Seravalli – Malmö University, Åsa Ståhl – Linneaus University, Ambra Trotto – Umeå University, Dori Tunstall – Ontario College of Art and Design, Mats Widbom – Svensk Form.

The seminar is open to all: preregistration is not required.

More information and a video about the seminar "Visions for the future". (In English)

Translated by George Farrants

Organisers

Stefan Holmlid

Professor, Head of Unit

Mats Nåbo

Lecturer

Jonas Löwgren

Professor, Head of Unit

Mattias Arvola

Senior Associate Professor, Head of Division

More information about Design and democracy

All seminars

The politics in design and the design of politics – Hundred years of design and democracy

The third seminar in the series Hundred years of design and democracy is taking place Wednesday September 29th 2021. The centre piece is the political, in design, as well as how design is part of the political. What are the connections?

Visions for the future –Hundred years of design and democracy

The fourth and final seminar in the series Hundred years of design and democracy takes place on Friday, Dec 17. The seminar will be looking ahead towards the roles of design in the next hundred years of democracy.

All roads lead here – A hundred years of design and democracy

“All roads lead here” was the first seminar in the series “A hundred years of design and democracy”. The members of the panel viewed the meeting between design and democracy during the past hundred years from a historical perspective.

Creative citizens – A hundred years of design and democracy

The seminar series' “A hundred years of design and democracy” second seminar on focused on individual creativity and handicraft. What role does creativity play in the development of society and democracy, and what role can it play?