Designing for the ‘WTF Economy’ calls for a shift in approach, with an emphasis on creating systems that support human livelihoods. The ‘WTF Economy’ refers to the disruptive economic changes brought about by digital technology, which often leave workers in precarious positions. The gig economy, for example, offers flexibility but lacks stability and benefits.
Designing for livelihoods means creating platforms that provide sustainable income. This could involve shifting from a gig economy model to a cooperative model, where workers have a say in decision-making processes and profits are shared. It could also mean designing platforms that help individuals to develop their skills and market their services more effectively.
To achieve this, designers need to understand the social, economic, and political contexts in which their platforms operate. They should consider the impact of their designs on people’s lives and livelihoods, and strive to create platforms that are equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. This is a complex task that requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from different fields to address the challenges of the ‘WTF Economy’.
Designing for livelihoods is not just about creating better platforms, but about reimagining the economy itself. It’s about building an economy that values people over profits, and that recognises the importance of providing everyone with the opportunity to earn a decent living.
Go to source article: https://medium.com/the-wtf-economy/design-it-like-our-livelihoods-depend-on-it-e1b6388eb752?imm_mid=0e27ad&cmp=em-na-na-na-newsltr_econ_20160408#.n5fn1mu2v