Designing Activism

'Designing Activism', WDCD's fourth publication, presents 31 designers from all corners of the world who metaphorically climb the barricades to fight for equality, social justice, plastic recycling, peace, or wellbeing. Among them Bas Timmer, inventor of the Sheltersuit for the homeless, Russian illustrator Victoria Lomasko, author of the book 'Other Russia', and Indian photographer Sujatro Ghosh who campaigned for women's emancipation with a series of photos of women wearing a cow's mask. Other designers featured in the book are Ekene Ijeoma (US), Ronny Edry (Israel), Sunny Dolat (Kenya), Kacey Wong (Hong Kong), Panmela Castro (Brazil) and Edel Rodriguez (USA). All the portraits and project descriptions together form an impressive display of positive action by designers and other creative spirits. The collection of stories is a convincing argument for the impact design can have on society. Or, as activist architect Cameron Sinclair puts it: 'Design isn't only about aesthetics, it's about problem solving and we have a planet plagued with problems.' Hence the call to all designers: 'Stand up and design!'