Divergent Design and Value Sensitivity in Contemporary Art ​

While divergent design is a very effective approach to generate new ideas and brainstorm novel solutions for practical technologies, divergent design, when paired with value-sensitive design, can also be seen in evocative and thought-provoking projects in the world of contemporary art and design. In the ever-evolving world of contemporary art, two exhibitions stand out as exemplars of divergent design and value-sensitive approaches: Richard Wentworth's 'Making Do and Getting By' and Bruce Conner's 'Brass Handles.' These exhibitions showcase how designers can push the boundaries of the way we work and how we design, challenging societal norms while staying sensitive to the values and narratives that underpin their work.

Richard Wentworth's 'Making Do and Getting By' is a testament to divergent design. Wentworth, known for his innovative use of found objects, creates art from the everyday, elevating the ordinary into the extraordinary. In his book, he challenges our perceptions of value by repurposing discarded items, transforming them into thought-provoking installations. The book comprises a photo essay of everyday objects repurposed into new uses in which they weren’t initially designed for, or how certain designs are augmented by obstacles in the way. From cutting a part of a fence out to allow a tree to grow, or using a fork to prop a window open, these examples invite us to see beauty and meaning in the overlooked. He encourages viewers to question the disposable culture that permeates our society. By celebrating the functionality and aesthetic potential of these "castoffs," he urges us to reconsider our notions of value and sustainability. Divergent design, in this context, disrupts established norms and provokes us to reimagine the world around us.

In another example, Bruce Conner's 'Brass Handles' exhibition embodies the concept of value sensitivity. Bruce Connor’s book is a photo essay of the 163 solid ornate brass handles which he installed throughout his house after he began to have mobility issues related to liver disease. To the outsider, the placement of the brass handles may seem peculiar and unordinary, where the house is filled with beautiful brass handles placed all over the house. However, Conner's work seeks to evoke emotional responses while respecting the values of empathy and understanding, where disability is reframed as a decorative and celebrated aspect worthy of beautiful display. This project thus showcases how artists can use their creations to engage with and reflect upon the collective values and concerns of our time through the combination of value sensitive and divergent design.

Together, Richard Wentworth's 'Making Do and Getting By' and Bruce Conner's 'Brass Handles' demonstrate the power of divergent design and value sensitivity in contemporary art and design. Wentworth challenges us to see beauty in the everyday, while Conner encourages us to explore the depths of our values and emotions through the way we design. Together, they exemplify how design can be a dynamic force for change, prompting us to question our assumptions, appreciate the unconventional, and engage with our society's core values.