Design, Interrupted

‘Design, Interrupted’ at Kings Cross examines a fundamental shift in creative work from analogue to algorithmic architectural image search. This interactive exhibition led by Oxford Doctoral Candidate Maggie McGrath looks at how algorithms might be ‘interrupting’ the process of searching for images. Searching for inspiration is often a critical early stage of the design process. Historically, leafing through books and magazines provided inspiration. Search now is now primarily digital, influenced by the design of platforms that were not purpose-built for this task. This exhibit considers the unintended consequences and effects these platforms may be having on the design process, and in turn, on creativity at large. Visitors will be invited to engage with both analogue and algorithmic search through a quick task that allows them to reflect on this fundamental shift in work, considering what it means for how images are searched and used in creative projects.