How design can transcend the logics structures and subjectivities of capitalism: a framework
theoretical grounding and practical principles.The designed things experiences and symbols
that we use to perceive understand and perform our everyday lives are much more than just
props. They directly shape how we live. In Design after Capitalism Matthew Wizinsky argues
that the world of industrial capitalism that gave birth to modern design has been dramatically
transformed. Design today needs to reorient itself toward deliberate transitions of everyday
politics social relations and economies. Looking at design through the lens of political
economy Wizinsky calls for the field to transcend the logics structures and subjectivities
of capitalism to combine design entrepreneurship with social empowerment in order to facilitate
new ways of producing those things symbols and experiences that make up everyday life.After
analyzing the parallel histories of capitalism and design Wizinsky offers some historical
examples of anticapitalist noncapitalist and postcapitalist models of design practice. These
range from the British Arts and Crafts movement of the nineteenth century to contemporary
practices of growing furniture or biotextiles and automated forms of production. Drawing on
insights from sociology philosophy economics political science history environmental and
sustainability studies and critical theory fields not usually seen as central to design he
lays out core principles for postcapitalist design offers strategies for applying these
principles to the three layers of project practice and discipline and provides a set of
practical guidelines for designers to use as a starting point. The work of postcapitalist
design can start today Wizinsky says with the next project.
