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From the moment that design began to emerge as a discipline in the 1920s it was closely associated with an idealistic and utopian vision. Good design could contribute to a better society. But twentieth-century modernism also engendered in design a deep concept of ‘professionalism’—a neutral and dispassionate objectivity—which has primarily manifested as a non-critical service-to-industry attitude, and has proven inadequate in a world that is crying for concern, involvement, accountability, and commitment. Certainly, design can effect social and political change, but the designer has to move beyond aesthetic and technical knowledge. The designer must be aware that the core of her profession is in instilling meaningful structure in the chaos of possible meanings in our vast information culture. Designers can and must be actively involved in who gets to say what, to whom, and how.

In the lecture, professor Rebeca Méndez, with partner Adam Eeuwens will address the issues outlined above, as well as present and discuss their design research and activism through the continuing collaboration with Peace Over Violence, a not-for-profit social service agency based in Los Angeles.