A COVID-19 Horizon Scan Looking for Post-Pandemic Implications for Design
Marcus Foth, Glenda Amayo Caldwell, Joel Fredericks · QUT ePrints (Queensland University of Technology) · 2021
So far 137 million people have been infected by the COVID-19 virus worldwide, and over 2.96 million lives have been lost. The urgent and sustained response to COVID-19 has impacted on everyone’s life in one way or another. This paper contributes to the collective and reflective appraisal of COVID-19’s impact by conducting a horizon scan in search for some of the post-pandemic implications for design research. After reviewing some general implications, we investigate two focus areas: (1) supply chain disruptions, and; (2) post-pandemic cities. While some measures may remain temporary and ad hoc, our analysis suggests it is imperative to derive a learning dividend and legacy from this traumatic and profound experience. We conclude with some remarks on community activism and ways for design to evolve in order to create more socially and ecologically just practices and outcomes in the aftermath of this global crisis.