The Discursive Agency of Productive Ambiguity

Abstract

This poster is an attempt to visually communicate the findings of a practice-led research study — a study that came to recognize the value of critical discussion provoked by the ambiguous readings of artifacts. Interested in considering how practitioners’ share the outcomes of research, the study was motivated to see the sharing of design research as less about wrapping up and more an invitation for ongoing critical reflection between the designer and audience. Within this context the poster works as a dissemination artifact that asks carefully crafted questions as opposed to presenting closed, definitive findings. This move seeks to engage the design community to speculate on the potential of the research beyond the situation investigated. The experiential space of the poster plays out the purchase of the ambiguous artifact — conceptually manipulating the clarity and interpretation of the poster’s statement dependent on one’s distance from the image. TWO CRITICAL QUESTIONS WHICH MY WORK AIMS TO RAISE. In respecting that the domain of design operates within the realm of possibilities, what modes of dissemination could invite speculation on research findings? In seeking to engage audiences to critique and question the relevance of a practice-led research project, what role might intentional ambiguity play in facilitating critical discussion?