Call for Participation: Matters of Communication, 5th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Design Theory and Research

Whether space, image, text, object or system - design is always communication. Against the backdrop of increasing radicalization, segmentation and polemization of social discourses, the relationship between design and communication seems more volatile today than ever. New communications media, channels, spaces and systems are constantly emerging. Machines, objects, even entire environments communicate with each other and interact on various media levels. How can we sound out the contexts, the conditions that lead to possibility and the interdependencies of impact? What concepts are needed to conceptualize the relationship between design and communication from a present-day point of view?

Our conference "Matters of Communication" creates a space for discussion about how communication is designed today and how it is communicated today.

What are the pioneering approaches and methods of design research in relation to communication through and within contemporary forms of expression, as well as cultural and economic production? How do research projects reflect "Matters of Communication", i.e. the form and materiality of designed communication, and their role in the emergence of attributions and interpretation contexts? What role does research play in the development of relevant questions and solutions? How is theory formation and translation into teaching and practice carried out? 

The program of lectures, discussions and workshops in four thematic areas:

Language and Image
The design of communication has always been denotative of the word and the greater connotative freedom of the image. Depending on the design concept, visual design serves to support the flow of communication or can, with an expressive gesture, break through familiar visual forms of representation. How is communication designed, perceived / received and interpreted today? What are the impact factors influencing the design of visual communication? What does visual communication have on prevailing social discourses? 

Space and Scenery
From non-places to highly utilitarian buildings to narrative spaces of experience, from physical buildings to augmented hybrid worlds to virtual reality - space is more complex than ever. How do contemporary spaces function as communication interfaces? How are these spaces argued, narrated and communicated through their design? What is the role of the simulation as a specific form of expression in the context of economic and social issues? 

Object and Interaction
Designed objects are a combination of materials, function and aesthetics, as well as an interface in complex technological, economic and social contexts. How is communication designed today between objects and people, and among people through objects? How do these objects communicate in relation to their position in economic and ecological cycles? What role does materiality or immateriality play in relation to the communicative abilities of objects? 

Society and System
Complex systems such as computers, companies or societies are based on the constant exchange of materials, energy, and communicative systems per se. How does design deal with different stakeholders groups in these systems? What does friction and conflict use as productive forces? 

We cordially invite you to submit contributions in the following formats: 

Short lectures (10 minutes):

Workshops (60 minutes)

Details about the submission process are available online at http://www.dgtf.de/tg-news