Toward a convivial design

This article is inspired by the work of Ivan Illich, mainly his book Tools for Conviviality (1973). Illich presents a critique of industrialization and the unsustainability of what is called development, from which he begins to explore alternative ways of existing, being with others, and being in the world. Along this path, Illich anticipates issues that design only begins to address at the end of the 20th century, inspiring many authors in design, particularly in sustainable design and co-design. This article aims to discuss Illich's anticipations and articulate them in the formulation of convivencial design, conceived as a project ethos inspired by his notion of conviviality, aimed at inspiring and transforming design practices. The analysis of his work allows the identification of three methodological design movements toward a convivencial design: 1) conducting a critique of the status quo; 2) imagining alternative proposals; and 3) carefully qualifying the ethos of the imagined alternatives.