“d+iD Empowering individuals” international research project exhibition and research publication (multi-component output, 2019-ongoing)

The diversity + inclusivity by Design Research (d+iD) at the School of Design, at the University of Greenwich and in partnership with the Cultural Section of the Cyprus High Commission in London is delighted to present an unprecedented number of outstanding research outputs in an innovative international exhibition. The exhibition showcases co-design research and explores how diverse and inclusive design become the ultimate communication tool to connect the world to go beyond expected boundaries, through a range of transdisciplinary approaches that positively impact our social and political landscapes. These works share a common objective: What is enabled when designers design with, and for, others? We have invited a group of Cypriot design researchers across the United Kingdom to explore the theme “Diversity and Inclusivity by Design: Empowering Individuals” and through extensive research to produce a piece of work with which they will participate in a group exhibition, which will be part of the prestigious London Design Festival 2019. The Practice Design Researchers have been collectively selected by the exhibition curators, Dr Anastasios Maragiannis, Deputy Head of the School of Design at the University of Greenwich, Dr Marios Psaras, Cultural Counsellor at the Cyprus High Commission, and researcher-designer Mala Siamptani (UAL), and include practice-researchers : Maya Angeli (Set Design), Alina Babaletsos (Flower Performance Design), Alexandros Kosmidis (Communication Design), Maria Papaleontiou (Architecture), Stacey Pitsillides (Design Research), Magdalene Theodorou (Fashion Design), and Mala Siamptani (Participatory Wearables). To design inclusively is to engage people deeply throughout the design process, sharing our practices and amalgamating people’s unique knowledge as design interventions. Through practice research d+iD aims to amplify, diversify, and mobilise this under-investigated aspect of practice and discourse; where design acts inclusively regardless of disability, gender, ethnicity, vulnerability, language or age. The exhibition reflects on developments in diversity and inclusivity by design in the current creative Cypriot landscape. There has been an interest in exploring themes involving the diverse design group from generic or specific geographical locations, and so the initial ideas for a curatorial concept will focus around this. d+iD previous research exhibition outputs together to this point have focused primarily on global creative industries and an amalgamation of national and international projects; now it is time to celebrate a specific design group to investigate the impact of their work in their region (Republic of Cyprus). Using the visual language of magazines, advertising, product design, mass media and film in either low-tech or highly stylised ways, these artists and designers point the spotlight on social issues, satirise the political world or share intimate thoughts and feelings with their audience. Issues such as politics, gender, conflict, and consumerism are perfectly suited to the formats of photography, film, and sound and this method of direct, accessible and socially engaged work has continued to influence these designers in Cyprus and beyond. The selected design practice researchers will diagnose and explore in depth key challenges and highlight opportunities where design can add measurable social, commercial and non-commercial value, through research and creativity. The group research exhibition outcomes will be hosted at the Stephen Lawrence Gallery at the University of Greenwich from September 14 until October 26, 2019 and will be accompanied by a catalogue and an associated programme of educational and public events. The exhibition will travel worldwide