Design, on the surface, seems to be a pure combination of aesthetics and functionality. In reality, however, it is deeply influenced by politics. Here, politics does not only refer to state governance or party operations but more broadly to “managing the affairs of the public.” In the design process, designers must balance multiple interests, mediate various voices, and ultimately propose a solution that everyone can accept. Therefore, design is inevitably closely linked with politics.
The Nature of Design and Politics
The core of politics lies in managing public affairs, which are the matters of many stakeholders. In design, these stakeholders may include clients, users, development teams, suppliers, communities, and government departments. Each group has its own needs, expectations, and constraints. These different voices and perspectives form a complex network of interests. The designer’s task is to find a balance within this network, proposing a solution that meets the needs of the majority while being innovative and practical.
Balancing Interests in Design
Designers play a role similar to legislators in a parliamentary system, seeking consensus among diverse opinions. During the design process, it is common to encounter situations where “each side believes they are right.” Everyone thinks their solution is the best and hopes that the final decision will be in their favor. This requires designers to have excellent communication skills and coordination abilities, understanding the core demands of each stakeholder and making compromises and integrations based on that.
Compromising Multiple Versions
In a typical design project, designers may receive feedback and suggestions from various sources. These opinions often conflict with each other, requiring designers to conduct extensive analysis and evaluation. In this process, designers need to consider not only the technical feasibility and aesthetic effects of each solution but also its impact on the various stakeholders.
Ultimately, designers will draft a final plan that has the most consensus based on these analyses. This solution may not be the ideal choice for any one party, but it is the most acceptable result after compromise among all parties. This process of compromise and coordination is essentially a political act.
The Political Sensitivity of Designers
Besides professional design knowledge and skills, excellent designers also need a high degree of political sensitivity. They must be able to understand the needs and motivations of each stakeholder, grasp the conflicts and compromise points between different perspectives. When communicating with all parties, designers need to remain objective and neutral, avoiding bias towards any one side, and be able to propose constructive opinions and solutions at critical moments.
Conclusion
Design is a process filled with political elements, where designers act as mediators and coordinators. They need to find a balance among various interests and propose the most consensual solution. This ability requires not only professional skills and creativity but also profound political sensitivity and communication skills. Only in this way can designers navigate the complex network of interests and create design works of real value.
