Bracket

The rise of several divisive leaders within contemporary politics, has once again brought action to the foreground. As a new generation makes their voices heard, they are also grappling to find effective platforms for action through design. The notion of action simultaneously evokes a discussion on what we are acting for and value. This is particularly important to consider at a moment when the authoritative systems - Governments and corporations - appear more divergent to the voices on the ground. At the same time, within an increasingly pluralistic society, what we collectively value is increasingly unclear, which presents a primary challenge on action. Bracket [Takes Action] is situated at a critical point in history where the who, what, where, and how of action need to be re-conceptualised to relate to who we are, how we live, and how we communicate today. The role of design and the agency of the designer are at stake in facilitating or stifling action. This book presents over 28 essays and 15 design projects that are structured into 6 sub-themes: ReAction, CounterAction, InterAction, FAction, InAction, and RetroAction. The intent of Bracket is to unpack the contemporary possibility of action through design.