Laboratório de design queer: experimentação de práticas contra-normativas no design

Abstract

This study aims to create a network of queer designers with the purpose of experimenting with methods set out to challenge normative design conceptions about gender and sexuality. As a participatory study method, queer-only design workshops were conducted with the goal of bringing together designers into discussing alternative strategies to strengthen the knowledge base within the gender non-conforming creative community. The adapted research method sought, based on Design Anthropology theories, to establish strategies that could account for queering design practices. In other words, this method emphasizes a practical way of challenging problem-finding design approaches, with the addition of also proposing non-binary ways about confronting founded power/knowledge design structures. Therefore, the results include the writing of an in-depth critical essay based on queer theory and design history. Some other thoughts and experiences evoked by the group members supported the leading argument. To sum up, the aim is to continue the counter-normative strategies experimented with, in order to support an open and dynamic process of designing thinking. Thus, in conclusion, this study points out ways to provoke debates and stimulate subjective production in the design field from a political perspective on issues that involve LGBTQIA+ non-normative bodies.