Why design research is stuck with Danny Spitzberg and Humphrey Obuobi

AIGA Design Podcast

Has design research hit a plateau?

In this episode, Danny Spitzberg and Humphrey Obuobi, two design researchers in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Lee-Sean Huang, senior director of learning and programs at AIGA delve into the challenges and explore the gap between personal and professional learning in design research.

Topics include:

1. the value of co-design catchphrases and why they keep resurfacing

2. the challenges and rewards of collaborating with marginalized communities on designing solutions that address their needs

3. how design and policy can intersect more effectively to address social challenges and promote equity

🔍 Danny Spitzberg, a user research expert in the cooperative economy, co-founded the Workers’ Algorithm Observatory. He sheds light on auditing algorithms for workers and allies, advocating for concrete improvements in digital technology standards.

🔍 Humphrey Obuobi, founder of LETS Studio, focuses on building infrastructure for a healthier democracy. A student-researcher with UC Berkeley’s Possibility Lab, Humphrey is dedicated to local, community-powered social innovation.

📖 Read Danny and Humphrey's Q&A article published on AIGA.org

🙋 LETS Studio, Humphrey's professional practice, invites collaborations and volunteers at letsstudio.org.

🔬 The Workers’ Algorithm Observatory advocates for algorithmic accountability; explore their studies at wao.cs.princeton.edu.

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