Design and empathy

Abstract

The relationship between design and empathy is not unproblematic. Consideration of this relationship brings several questions to mind, including whether it is possible for design to be practiced in a predominantly empathetic way to begin with. An attempt is made to interrogate what might be understood by the term empathy, as well as its place in western culture, and, lastly, the potential role of empathy in design practice.]AFRIKAANS: Die verhouding tussen ontwerp en empatie is nie onproblematies nie. Nadenke oor hierdie verhouding bring verskeie vrae na vore, byvoorbeeld of dit enigsins moontlik is om ontwerp te produseer met ‘n oorwegend empatiese inslag. ‘n Kritiese bevraging na wat bedoel word met die term empatie, en die rol van empatie in westerse kultuur, en laastens, die moontlikke rol van empatie in die ontwerp praktyk, word hier gepoog.