Mapping the Political Economy of Design

The intersection of economics and design has become a focus of attention for those seeking scalable social responses to global challenges. Design theorists and economists have both described how economic forces set the initial conditions and logic for design as well as determining whose interests are served by design. The political economy of design refers to the ways economic drivers shape the design industry by addressing particular types of problems. Since economic systems influence priorities within the design industry, the political economy of design is of central importance for everyone concerned with both social justice and sustainability