The Limits of Empathy: Utopianism, Absorption and Theatricality in Design

ABSTRACT

In order to explain the premises and consequences of the current turn to empathy-based design in its form as user- or human-centred design, this paper connects it with the utopian tradition inherent in much of design's history. The paper also introduces two new concepts not normally associated with the field, ‘absorption’ and ‘theatricality’, to explain this history. It then goes on to locate empathic design within the category of ‘absorption’ and makes some conclusions about the social effects of this approach to design, arguing that empathy can be the source of what can be called ‘tactical’ design.

KEYWORDS:

• utopia
• empathy
• theatricality/absorption
• user-centred design

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Matthew Holt

Biography

Dr Matthew Holt teaches design history and visual communications at the University of Technology, Sydney, and at its pathways institution, Insearch. He has a background in art history and theory and is a graphic designer for the independent press, Puncher & Wattmann. He is also a produced playwright.