On the Need for Mapping Design Inequalities

This article introduces the special issue “Design Inequalities” and the articles contained within it. It provides a new conceptual framework by looking at design as a way of “making society” and exploring how design is entangled with social inequalities across a wide spectrum of domains. The ontological point of departure is to view “design” and “inequalities” as both superstructures and micro-practices of creativity, power, and expertise that can simultaneously sustain and challenge privilege and exclusion, regardless of what is being designed.