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Week Two

“Political Power”

Power is often understood through the lens of politics, governance, and control, but how do these structures shape design and vice versa? This week, we examine power in a political sense; including how it operates at institutional, systemic, and individual levels, and how designers engage with or challenge it. Who holds decision-making authority? How do policies, laws, and governance shape access, visibility, and representation? Through discussions, mapping exercises, and analysis of political movements, we will explore how design is both shaped by political power and a tool for resistance, activism, and advocacy.

In Class Activities

Small Group Review
• share medium..

Pre-Work Discussion
• discuss, small group -> big, pre work

Activity: Power Web (↗ link to Google Slides)
• How does political power shape the world around us? Consider institutions, policies, and movements—who controls decision-making, and how is power distributed?

Before Next Class

Medium Post: Power Web
• See description below

Pre-Work: Material Power (↗ link to Google Drive)
• Read/Watch/Skim for 1-2 hours
• Come prepared to discuss one key takeaway and 2–3 questions you’d like to explore

Power Web

Power is everywhere, shaping how we live, work, and interact. In this activity, you will map power dynamics within a system of your choice—a school, workplace, community, or society at large. By visually mapping these relationships, you will explore who holds power, how influence moves, and where power might be shifted or reimagined.

Step 1: Define ‘The System’
Choose a system that you want to analyze. Draw a large circle in the center of your paper and label it with the name of your system (e.g., “Higher Education,” “Corporate Design,” “Local Government”).

This could be:

A specific institution (e.g., education, healthcare, media, government)
A social structure (e.g., a family, a workplace, a design industry)
A community or organization you are part of

Step 2: Map the Power Web
Around your central system, add smaller circles representing different groups, individuals, or institutions that interact with or influence it (e.g., students, faculty, policymakers, corporate stakeholders, media).

Use lines to connect entities and indicate relationships:

Thick, bold lines for strong power/influence
Thin or dashed lines for weaker or indirect influence
Label the lines with descriptions (e.g., “funding control,” “policy enforcement")

Step 3: Identify Your Position
Choose one entity that represents you or a role you connect with.
Place it on the web and write a brief reflection on:

Why you positioned it there
How power affects your relationship with the system
Whether you see opportunities to shift or redistribute power

Step 4: Document and Reflect
Document your Power Web and reflect on the activity. Write a reflection on key insights and takeaways. This should take the form of a short visual essay; 1-3 paragraphs and 5–7 captioned images.

Consider the following prompts to guide your reflection:

Where is power concentrated?
Who benefits from the current structure? Who is excluded?
What forces (design, activism, policy) could shift power dynamics?
Where does design intersect or influence this structure?

Final Steps:
Upload your Medium post and add your link to the class spreadsheet by Friday at Midnight EST for A4 or Sunday at Midnight EST for B4.