Post-Crisis Design
Design Futures/Fiction
Designing solutions and scenarios that address and recover from societal, environmental, or technological crises. Post-crisis design in speculative contexts explores ways to rebuild and create more resilient futures.
In practice
Following significant disruptions or crises, post-crisis design focuses on the redesign and reconstruction of systems, services, and environments to promote recovery, resilience, and adaptability. Designers engaging in post-crisis design consider the lessons learned from crises, incorporating strategies and innovations to address vulnerabilities and enhance preparedness for future challenges. This approach aims to create designs that contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future in the aftermath of impactful events.
Questions
What is Post-Crisis Design?
Post-crisis design is design for the period after a disruption — a disaster, a collapse, a pandemic — when needs and norms have shifted.
Why do you use Post-Crisis Design?
Systems designed for stable conditions fail exactly when they are needed most. Designing for the aftermath is designing for when it matters.
How do you use/apply Post-Crisis Design?
Design for reduced infrastructure, changed behaviour and scarce resources, and prioritise adaptability over optimisation.
When do you use Post-Crisis Design?
In humanitarian, civic and infrastructure contexts, and increasingly in mainstream planning.
Who uses Post-Crisis Design?
Service, civic and humanitarian designers.
