Designer’s Wednesday: Designer’s Business

Victor Papanek controversially stated that to design is ‘to make people buy the thing they don't need with the money they don't have to impress those who don't care’ – how far do we agree him, and how does design defend itself against this scathing attack?

This open lecture is an opportunity to discuss the pressing issues raised in today's design society. From the evolution of the term ‘design’ and the history of commercially successful products, this discussion will open up the most pressing issues facing the profession.

What is the relationship between freedom of artistic expression and commercial gain? How does function translate to profit? Is it possible for someone outside the design world to be a ‘designer’? Join us for the opportunity to share your questions and answers with industry experts.

Maria Stashenko, a researcher with a degree in philosophy, is the head lecturer in design management at British Higher School of Art and Design. In 2006 Maria organized the research program ‘Role of Design in Business’ in Russia and was a participant of the initiative group which developed a design development strategy for the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. An author of more than 200 works published on the interaction of design and business, Maria is also the co-owner of Organica Design Consultancy studio and is the founder and editor of the first professional portal on design management (design-management.ru).