Luisa Mok
Design against Reverse Salients
Strategic design for the short-term future for sustainability transitions
100426
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A reverse salient is, in a figurative sense,
the inverse of a salient. It is a concept of technological
transitions developed in the field of social studies of technology. The term conceptualises
problems inherent in the near future, which may lead to disastrous consequences
that eventually impede overall systems transitions. They are problems that are
not seen at the present; even if they are projected, they are not easy to
solve. This gives one reason for explaining design shortfalls from producing
their intended outcomes for sustainability.
Luisa Mok's dissertation develops a new design approach, named Strategic Design for the
Short-term Future, through integrating transitions theories and strategic
design studies. The new approach demonstrates its anticipatory strength as well
as operational effectiveness in order to pre-empt future adverse results. To
build theory for guiding design practice, two case studies involving renewable energy
transitions and sustainable aquaculture transitions are conducted. Focusing on
the short-term future posits an alternative design approach to a different
transitions challenge – that is, design against reverse salients.