Critical Design as Networked Counter Public

Digital screens, touch sensors, wireless networks, and other interfaces are bringing a new layer of communication to urban environments around the world. But as these technologies become an integral part of the fabric of the city, it is important to look at them through a critical lens. What kind of discourse will be promoted by these cities built of networked bits and atoms? Whose voices will be lost? What social interactions will be discouraged? Whose worlds will be pushed to the margins? My practice based PhD addresses these questions through critical design practice: I use the tools, processes and strategies of communication design as a method of inquiry. My practice is focused on building experimental "micro-publics" as a way to explore and reflect upon the current state of networked public spheres but also as a means to imagine and build alternatives.