As societies become increasingly technologized, the role of design in shaping migrant experiences is more relevant than ever. A migrant has to navigate often poorly designed, complex systems in their personal and professional life that can hinder their migration experience significantly. This session explores the intersection of design, migration, and technologization. We ask: How do design and digital systems shape migrant experiences of inclusion, exclusion, and sense of belonging? How are migrants navigating, resisting, or repurposing these systems in their everyday lives? What are the consequences, or possibilities, of getting the experience design wrong or right?
We invite contributions that examine these themes from critical, empirical, and practice-based perspectives. Topics of interest may include:
– Critical perspectives on “inclusive design” and its implications in migration contexts
– Migrant experiences with digital welfare, digital democracy and e-government, or other public services
– Participatory design with and by migrants
– The design and impact of surveillance, biometric, and border technologies
– Technology-mediated access to language, healthcare, education, or housing
We are especially interested in submissions that center lived experiences, challenge dominant narratives, or take a systemic approach into migration as a service. Design-led and interdisciplinary approaches are warmly welcomed. Languages welcomed are English and Finnish.
This session aims to bring together researchers, designers, practitioners, and activists to share insights and build interdisciplinary dialogue. By focusing on design and technology as key mediators of migration, we hope to open up new ways of thinking about enhancing and enabling migrant experiences in this increasingly mobile world.
Language of session: Finnish and English.