We define discursive design as a category of product design that treats artifacts principally as transmitters of substantive ideas, rather than as mere instruments of utility.

The primary intent of the discursive designer is to to encourage users’ reflection upon, or engagement with, a particular discourse; the goal is to affect the intellect.

As distinct from objects of art, architecture, and graphics, which can all be agents of discourse, products have particular qualities that offer unique communicative advantages.

Discursive design leverages functionality (use-value) to achieve the primary goal of delivering a deliberate message, one potent enough to spark contemplation, discussion, and debate.

Moving beyond traditional styling or commercial problem solving, discursive design embraces a more expansive role for the designer as sociocultural critic, educator, and provocateur.