Divided by Design Episode Guide Season 2 is a thought-provoking exploration of America's collective psyche through the lens of design.
As we delve into the second season of this critically acclaimed podcast, it becomes increasingly evident that the world around us is, indeed, "divided by design." From the eerie implications of a society obsessed with wellness to the pedestrianization of urban spaces, the design decisions we make have far-reaching consequences. Whether it's a thought-provoking redesign of a public square or the stylish yet soulless aesthetics of a luxury high-rise, our surroundings are often engineered to maintain the status quo, rather than challenge it.
Episode 1: The Wellness Complex
The first episode of Season 2 is a masterclass in exploring the intersection of design and societal expectations. By examining the trend of wellness culture and its manifestations in design, the hosts expertly dissect the inherent contradictions at play. For instance, the emphasis on self-care and personal wellness often prioritizes individual gain over collective benefit, much like the consumerist culture it purports to critique. The hosts take a step back to examine the evolutionary history of wellness culture and its precursors, pointing out the parallels between the term's rebranding and the opiate epidemic. As we rummage through the trail of clues left behind by wellness culture, it becomes clear that design has a significant role to play in shaping – or even dictating – our priorities. Take, for instance, the penchant for Instagram-worthy aesthetic and clean lines found in many wellness centers, which mirror the sleek, gadget-filled design found in tech incubators. This mirrored reflection is more than just aesthetic – it speaks to a societal obsession with indulging in pristine settings, often accompanied by an overly mindful approach to consumption and life choices.
Episode 2: The Rise of Digital Minimalism
In the second episode, we dive headfirst into the popular movement of digital minimalism and its place within the larger debate on materialism and consumerism. The hosts impressively synthesise information from an array of fields, from the early days of the Bauhaus to contemporary criticisms of excess and discontent. By filtering the current digital revolution through the lens of Neoliberalism and the strictures of 1990s identity politics, the show zeroes in on what digital minimalism means for culture, power, and public perception. What occurs, however, when designers and businesses rebrand minimalism as the new luxury? The clearer result is an alignment of priorities toward digital awareness and sustainability, leading some designers to peddle their minimalist aesthetic as the antidote to an excessive lifestyle – circumventing genuine systems of critique. Thus, we arrive at the crux of the debate, where design teams may not be questioning these norms and symptoms as much as adding to them. The acid test comes when aesthetics envelop and finally shape strategies of 'global and sustainable happiness,' masking any repressed profound societal collapse and recovery.
