Reflections on Addressing Taboo, Shame and Social Stigma in Design Projects

Abstract

Social phenomena which are taboo-prone and in which self-conscious emotions such as shame play a role, appear to be increasingly of interest for students, and it is believed that design can play an important role in developing interventions which can contribute to more social, healthy and sustainable behaviour. Based on recent experiences with supervising master’s projects where connotations of shame play an important role, this article summarizes key insights related to choosing topics, choosing and triangulating methods, conducting supervision meetings, as well as general reflections on the role of the (student) designer in such projects.