a pragmatist aesthetics approach to the design of a technological artefact
We describe work in developing an approach to the design of technological artefacts based in pragmatist aesthetics, grounding ideas in a developing case study, representing one possible way in which such a conceptual approach, which we see as essentially empathic, may evolve. From a conception of designer as creative and intersubjective subject, we explore the difficulties and possibilities in designing empathically for blind experience. We propose appropriation as a basis for sighted designers to build empathy with users by understanding blind experience as aesthetic. Various phases of appropriation provide a way of developing empathy and increasing agency in design.
pragmatist aesthetics appropriation empathy sensibility design experience