Abstract:

In this paper we will present a review of current literature and developments in design and different-abled-body research with regard to the meaning, the use and understanding of experiential and thing knowledge. It will be discussed issues concerning the shift “from models to concepts” (Schillmeier, 103) underlying the idea of Rethinking Disability, which will be set in context of the growth of human enhancement technologies, that has been accompanied by global debates about the promise and peril of an emerging posthuman era (Miah 2010) over the last 10 years.

The paper will discuss contributions from design research, interaction design, critical design, bioartists and biodesigners to the ensuing bioethical debate about transhumanism, which promises to reconstitute how mankind makes sense of social as well as biological norms.

The presentation will be combined with visual as well as audio-visual examples, resulting from a university project performed in early 2011.

References
[1] Schillmeier, M., 2010. Rethinking Disability; Routledge, New York
[2] Miah, A., 2010. Posthuman Design. The Accumulation of biocultural capital; Scientific Lecture at Research Colloquium, TU Berlin.

Keywords:

Design research, digital disability, transhumanism.