Sensuous Knowing – Sensuous Designing
Stockholm, Sweden, June 28th – July 2nd 2027
DIS 2027 invites participants to consider the intricate tapestry of how our interactions with digital systems are increasingly intertwined with our intimate lives, sensuous ways of knowing and being, giving rise to a plethora of different possible encounters and relations with digital technology as we know it. Drawing from entanglement theories, feminisms, and more-than-human perspectives we ask attendees to consider alternative ways of being in the world that technologies and digital systems might offer if they were designed otherwise.
In this conference we aim to foreground the power of unmaking established norms, deconstructing biases and behaviours, and forging new pathways towards equity and justice. By attending to sensuous knowledge as a matter worthy of design, we ask attendees to weave together threads of horizontal knowledge such that historically oppressed voices – humans and non-humans alike – are heard and alternative experiences are valued.
Join us as we blend the boundaries of our field, melding design, art, engineering, and technology, with theory and practice, to examine the alternative places and spaces that technology may hold in our lives. Together, let us envision a future of interaction design that prioritises inclusivity, equity, and authenticity, acknowledging how designs shape our connections with ourselves, others, and the world—human and non-human, rooted in sensuous as well as rational ways of knowing.
Why Stockholm?
Stockholm is a beautiful, accessible and easily navigatable city. Spread across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, the city offers historic charm alongside modern facilities and amenities. With its efficient public transportation system, including an extensive network of buses, trains, and ferries, navigating the city is easy and sustainable, ensuring easy access to conference venues and exploring all that Stockholm has to offer. In addition, the main airport for Sweden is convenient for Stockholm – only 20 minutes away from the city centre by high-speed train.
Despite being a bustling urban hub, Stockholm is surrounded by serene forests, tranquil lakes, and the vast expanse of the Stockholm archipelago. This close connection to nature offers conference participants the opportunity to unwind, rejuvenate, and find inspiration amidst the pristine Scandinavian landscape, fostering a holistic conference experience.
Hosting organisation – KTH
DIS will be hosted at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, ideally situated in the centre of the city, offering DIS reasonably priced, and well equipped locations to host keynotes, parallel conference tracks, as well as workshops.
The main host of DIS 2027 is the Department of Media Technology and Interaction Design (MID) at KTH. Researchers from MID took part in the original development of Participatory Design already in the 1970’s. Today, MID researchers often publish their work at DIS in areas such as Soma Design, Feminist Design, female health, More-Than-Human design and others topics related to sustainability issues.
We look forward to seeing you in Stockholm in 2027
Madeline Balaam and Kristina Höök,
KTH Royal Technical Institute, Stockholm, Conference Chairs
