"how much of design is creative mercenarism?
what graphic design histories were borne of non-commercial, broadly cultural aims?
how do educators discuss the concept of intersectionality, if at all?
can design history be discussed responsibly without mapping paths of pillage, exchange, and reparation?
"what are we expected to learn about, that knows nothing of us?"...
if that's not the sort of practice an institution is interested in, what alternative modes do they consider viable?
how much of design has clear ideological boundaries?"

"These are meant to serve as discussion points for working designers and educators, or someone considering design education, or anyone re-considering the discipline generally."

text: harsh patel
february 2025, los angeles