Not Anarchy in the UK: How Can Designers Promote Social Values?

Abstract

This paper was written and presented in collaboration with research partner Professor Pete Nevin, of Putera Sampoerna Foundation, Indonesia. Previous collaborations between Horl and Nevin had centred on graphic arts, exhibitions and publishing, with a prevailing focus upon the influence of emerging technologies on graphic communication. Not Anarchy in the UK was inspired by UK riots in the summer of 2011. It discussed the role of design in society, the politics of desire and the power of persuasion. Design responsibility and design activism were considered in the context of social, economic and political change. Horl co-wrote this paper and led the presentation by attending the conference in person, connecting to Indonesia by live video link. Horl established mechanisms for the research partners to share files and web pages and co-wrote, designed, edited and delivered the conference presentation.