Laura Gonzalez Diaz
Design for
Participatory design, Social design
Year
2019-2020
Laura is a Paraguayan multidisciplinary designer working in a wide range of design areas providing digital and physical solutions. She is also a university professor, researcher and mosaic artist. Her work as a professor and product designer is combined with her work as an artist through her entrepreneurship called Moxel. In the workshop, she teaches the art of mosaics and designs social projects using recycled materials (ceramics and glass). Laura uses Moxel as space and platform to connect with local communities and develop projects that encourage the improvement of public spaces. Her favourite type of assignment involves co-design, especially with local communities.
INSIGHT
What is your favourite part of the D4C programme?
Definitely the dissertation because it combines the three main labs (social, technical and environmental) plus other subjects and disciplines related to the final project. In addition, unlike the lab projects, it allows a wide diversity of subjects, disciplines, context, users, stories and interest being explored and developed by the students.
Who are you inspired by?
Common people (non-designers) designing in wicked situations. Many times the solutions and/or methods used are innovative since they do not have the prejudices of the discipline and their creativity is not committed to following the rules. Co-designing with people is the best education one can achieve.
One book or reading recommendation?
The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman. A design classic that explores how to design for real people.
