Personal Reflection
This course has been one of the most interesting and unique experiences so far in the master’s program. Unlike traditional design courses, Situated Design Practices took us out of the classroom and into real spaces, exposing us to different perspectives, communities, and territories. It wasn’t just about theory, it was about experiencing design in context, engaging with people, and understanding how spaces, history, and culture shape design practices.
From the very first session, exploring the Llobregat Delta, I realized the importance of territory and how a place’s history, economy, and politics directly influence design. Meeting Jaume, a farmer fighting to preserve his land, and visiting Cal Negre, a collective merging sustainability and art, showed me how design is not just about creating objects but also about sustaining traditions, supporting communities, and adapting to changing landscapes. Seeing how the natural reserve coexists with the expansion of the airport and port made me reflect on the constant tension between preservation and development, something that applies to design decisions in any context.
As the course progressed, we explored different perspectives on community and activism. The session with journalist Hibai Arbide was a shocking insight into how borders shape human lives. His firsthand experience documenting refugee conditions and the technological surveillance imposed on them made me question how design can be either oppressive or empowering. The visit to Foc and Jokkoo Collective was a completely different experience, but it reinforced the importance of creating spaces where people can express themselves freely. Their work in African electronic music highlighted how representation matters and how cultural spaces should reflect the people they serve. Finally, Ben Ditto’s talk was a turning point in how I view the role of a designer. His approach, completely detached from the idea that design must serve a moral or ethical purpose, was both intriguing and controversial. While I don’t fully agree with his philosophy, it made me realize that design can also be about pure personal expression, rebellion, or even just fun.
Repositioning myself as a designer
This course has made me rethink what it means to be a designer. I have always been taught that design should solve problems, improve society, or address environmental issues. While I still believe in responsible design, seeing someone like Ben Ditto succeed while ignoring these frameworks made me realize that there is space for all kinds of designers. Some work towards social impact, others explore artistic expression, and some simply create for the sake of creating. More importantly, this course has shown me that a designer is never working in isolation, we are always embedded in larger networks, whether they are geographic, social, or digital.
Connecting this to my work
At the beginning of the course, I struggled to see how my project on sweat could fit into the framework of situated design. Now, I understand that my work is also a form of situated practice, but one situated in the body. Just as a physical territory is shaped by political and economic forces, the body is shaped by social norms, stigmas, and physiological processes. Sweat is a perfect example of this, it is a completely natural bodily function, yet it is heavily stigmatized. My work explores how we can change perceptions of sweat, from something seen as dirty or embarrassing to something valuable, aesthetic, and even useful.
Additionally, this course has made me realize that sweat is not just a personal phenomenon, it connects to broader communities. Alice Potts, for example, works with athletes to capture their sweat as a symbol of their effort and dedication. I could explore similar connections, perhaps in rave culture or other contexts where sweat plays a crucial role. My goal is not just to experiment with sweat as a material but to engage with people who experience it in meaningful ways.
Final thoughts
This course has left me with many open questions: How can I expand my project beyond myself? How can I collaborate with others who share similar experiences with sweat? Should I focus on one specific community or keep the exploration broad?
It has also helped me see that I don’t need to confine my project to a single approach. I can mix scientific research with artistic experimentation, combine technology with human sensation, and use design as a tool to change narratives rather than just create objects.
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