Current advancements in technology pushes design to unimaginable heights and we as humans are very dependent on technology for all aspects of our daily rituals. The design of tools, objects, the environment and also the design of and for the human have all seen changes in accordance to technology. We start to question: Can we survive with no technology? Is technology sustainable? Will design lose the human touch?

Design can be highly dependent on complex and creative problem solving, deep learning and empathic awareness, two of which have already been integrated into technology via Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision in addition to other machine learning systems that are very data driven.

Further examination of this phenomenon requires a non-bias perception and optimism to keep design human driven. Many design professionals argue that designing for humans should be done by humans, but at the same time humans rely on tools for mass production in order to sustain population growth, and this is the plane where designers should navigate and fully understand the potential of technology.

Having better access and greater literacy of technology might help designers build a future where work and home are self-sustaining, local design economies grow, and real life applied education. We need to think of ways to develop local design communities that can micro-manufacture, design and make, and teaching communities that can strengthen the ethos of design for all. It makes us conscious about our capabilities and our impact on the environment, further enlightening us on how we use resources, consume, and pollute.

This year’s Kuala Lumpur Design festival tries to dissect these concepts by breaking down sustainability and technology through speculating Daily Rituals, Spaces for Making and The Domestic Space, Design Prompting, The Human Touch and Cultural Sustainability.

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