Spearheaded by Dutch designer Bernhard Lenger, 'We Are Human Rights' is a new project that helps activists develop tools for change by pairing them up with designers. This collaborative project has already produced several projects in Sudan, Nicaragua, Colombia, Russia, Kenya, Mexico, and Burundi, and has tackled issues ranging from illegal settlements to the criminalisation of homosexuality.
According to Lenger, "We are investigating new opportunities for design, to identify where designers can play an important role in our world." The collection of projects from 'We Are Human Rights' was recently shown in an exhibition for Dutch Design Week 2018, which showcased how designers and activists could easily work together to reach common goals. This collaboration is key to Lenger as he expressed the idea that designers "are only a small cogwheel in an enormous machine."
Collaborative Activism Projects
'We Are Human Rights' Pairs Designers with Activists
Trend Themes
1. Activist-designer Collaborations - Exploring innovative design solutions alongside activists to drive social and political change.
2. Human Rights-based Design - Developing designs in response to human rights issues to positively impact communities.
3. Cross-cultural Collaborations in Design - Promoting culturally sensitive design solutions through international collaborations
Industry Implications
1. Design - Design firms partnering with activists to bring attention for social and political change.
2. Non-profit - Activist groups collaborating with designers to develop effective communication strategies for awareness campaigns.
3. Human Rights Advocacy - Human rights organizations working with designers to create impactful designs for their advocacy efforts.