What is Contribution? Design has a grasp on every imaginable aspect of our society which results in measurable impact on every corner of this globe. But when we examine these interwoven systems more closely, especially regarding impact, we rarely see them surpass the horizon of capitalist interest. Design had, since its beginnings, quite a few changes in its self-understanding and pursuit. Critical reflections on its sustainability, its dependency on capitalist systems, and its impact on our biosphere have already started in the 70ies and have since become mainstream discourse. But nonetheless, its mode of irresponsibility persists. Thinking about said mechanisms of irresponsibility, the usual suspects (systemic scale, individual weakness, existential dependency) present themselves. But is that the point where we should stop our thoughts in despair? When reflecting our roles as designers in said machinery, we could see every part of the machinery being originated in a thought. An idea, a decision shaped the rules of said component. This idea originated in someone, somewhere, that tried to find a solution to a set of specific requirements. When, in retrospective, looking at said component, we could start wondering about the decision he made, wonder if he thought about the large scale impact of his concept, or wonder how he came to the power of making said decision. In my educational journey, many people have addressed me as ‘part of the future’. My decision to study in this field was largely based on my subjective understanding of its future-proofness. Nevertheless, an uncertainty always persited, doubting my ability to actually contribute something. An healthy dose of self-doubt? A subconscious nudge to rethinking present action? But how do we quantify contributions? What is the impact I already had on others? How do I reflect on possible impact I could be making?

What made an impact on you in the last two years? The possibilities on learning and working with and from other people. The impact tools + new processes have on my own thinking & creation The discussion about my role and the role of design in the world.

What impact did you make in the last two years? Working with others, I was able to show things to others, and take part in an exchange of knowledge and skills.

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