Huang, Man-Li and Whitham, Roger and Boyko, Christopher (2025) Decolonising Design from Austronesian Formosan Revitalisation. PhD thesis, Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts.
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Abstract
The ethos of decolonising design aims to challenge the Western-centred design narrative to better represent and respect the cultural identities, knowledge systems, and practices of Indigenous and marginalised communities. Traditional design often prioritises economic or commodity-oriented purposes, overlooking the complex and sensitive aspects of Indigenous cultures. This research responds to the call for decolonising design by proposing a framework that examines the cultural revitalisation efforts of the Austronesian Formosans and assesses their significance and implications in the broader context of decolonising design. This study adopts decolonising methodologies and Indigenous research methodologies, employing reflexive thematic analysis to identify six key themes that highlight the challenges faced in Austronesian Formosan cultural revitalisation. These challenges intertwine concepts of liminality and etic/emic perspectives and provide recommendations for adapting design methodologies to be more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the specific concerns and values of Indigenous communities. The framework proposed in this research is intended to serve as a blueprint for the future cultural revitalisation of Austronesian Formosans, supporting and promoting the cultural development and continuity of these groups. This study explores the intersection between cultural revitalisation and design, examining how design can effectively facilitate the preservation and dissemination of Indigenous culture. The shared objectives of decolonising design include ensuring that local knowledge informs design thinking, reflecting traditional patterns in contemporary design, respecting knowledge transmission, and bridging the gap between heritage and innovation. In this study, the phrase "Decolonising Design from Austronesian Formosan Revitalisation" is intended to highlight how decolonising design is influenced by and draws insights from Austronesian Formosan cultural revitalisation rather than being separate from it. The use of "from" signifies a source of knowledge, demonstrating how revitalisation movements provide critical perspectives and methodological guidance for decolonising design. This research positions cultural revitalisation as an active and generative force that informs design strategies, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are embedded within contemporary design discourse and practice. This research positions design as a tool for addressing social and multicultural needs, not only fostering tangible material innovation but also supporting the cultural development and political aspirations of Indigenous communities.