In yet another twist on the theme of Ken Garland's 'First Things First' manifesto, Design Week published a Design Business piece by John Spencer of Spencer du Bois on how to run an ethical design practice ('First Things First business plan', Design Week, 1 December 2005 [paid sub required]).
I look forward to the day when self-satisfied designers such as Spencer stop lecturing us about pursuing social and ethical design and actually engage us in a real political debate.
The transition from political debate to assertion of morals and ethics in the design world (and beyond) has removed the concept of contested ideas. The John Spencers of this world assume we all do, or should, agree with his (barely stated) ethical agenda. This is deeply patronising to practicing designers. And what I can detect of his politics is so boring! Being critical of capitalism in 1963, when the 'First Things First' manifesto was first published, was radical and optimistic. But to be anti-capitalist today is uncontroversial, and is usually allied to a deep cynicism. And while it also fails to inspire designers it can nevertheless be demoralising.
Though Spencer appears to care about ordinary people in general, his approach to politics and design is as incapable of making any real difference as the design industry competitors he bemoans. Ironically, design is a profession which more than most can make a difference to individuals' lives. But Spencer's middle-class contempt for their 'inessential' needs only serves to reduce this potential.
Read on... Practise, don't preach, Nico Macdonald, Creative Review, September 2005
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