South African design in the digital age

Abstract

The technological innovations of the last decade or so have revolutionised design,  allowing fewer people to produce more in shorter periods of time. While technology can enhance and improve the work experience, to what extent can it ever change what it is that designers 'do'? This question is non-trivial because in the digital age we are now entering, there is much pressure on designers and design educators to prepare for 'the future'. In an attempt to address these issues, the following analysis deals with design from two different theoretical perspectives. Firstly, design as an act of labour in a changing context is explored. Secondly, design is treated as a social action within a broader production context both informing and being informed by this context. Through this dualistic approach, design in the digital age can be viewed in its entirety.