TY - BOOK

T1 - Decolonising Design from Austronesian Formosan Revitalisation

AU - Huang, Man-Li

N1 - This research explores the role of decolonising design in the cultural revitalisation of Austronesian Formosans, challenging Western-centric design paradigms and advocating for inclusive, culturally embedded approaches. Employing decolonising methodologies and Indigenous research methods, the study applies reflexive thematic analysis to identify key challenges in cultural revitalisation, drawing on the concepts of liminality and etic/emic perspectives. The study proposes a decolonising design framework that not only supports the preservation and transmission of Indigenous knowledge but also fosters innovation by integrating traditional practices with contemporary design. It highlights the reciprocal relationship between decolonising design and Indigenous cultural revitalisation, demonstrating how revitalisation movements inform decolonising design methodologies. Contributing to the broader discourse on decoloniality in design, this research advocates for methodologies that are responsive to Indigenous values, concerns, and aspirations. The findings underscore the potential of design as a tool for cultural sustainability, material innovation, and social empowerment. This research was externally funded by the Ministry of Education, R.O.C. (Taiwan) and complies with Lancaster University’s research ethics guidelines.

PY - 2025

Y1 - 2025

N2 - The ethos of decolonising design aims to challenge the Western-centred design narrative to better represent and respect the cultural identities, knowledge systems, and practices of Indigenous and marginalised communities. Traditional design often prioritises economic or commodity-oriented purposes, overlooking the complex and sensitive aspects of Indigenous cultures. This research responds to the call for decolonising design by proposing a framework that examines the cultural revitalisation efforts of the Austronesian Formosans and assesses their significance and implications in the broader context of decolonising design.This study adopts decolonising methodologies and Indigenous research methodologies, employing reflexive thematic analysis to identify six key themes that highlight the challenges faced in Austronesian Formosan cultural revitalisation. These challenges intertwine concepts of liminality and etic/emic perspectives and provide recommendations for adapting design methodologies to be more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the specific concerns and values of Indigenous communities. The framework proposed in this research is intended to serve as a blueprint for the future cultural revitalisation of Austronesian Formosans, supporting and promoting the cultural development and continuity of these groups.This study explores the intersection between cultural revitalisation and design, examining how design can effectively facilitate the preservation and dissemination of Indigenous culture. The shared objectives of decolonising design include ensuring that local knowledge informs design thinking, reflecting traditional patterns in contemporary design, respecting knowledge transmission, and bridging the gap between heritage and innovation. In this study, the phrase "Decolonising Design from Austronesian Formosan Revitalisation" is intended to highlight how decolonising design is influenced by and draws insights from Austronesian Formosan cultural revitalisation rather than being separate from it. The use of "from" signifies a source of knowledge, demonstrating how revitalisation movements provide critical perspectives and methodological guidance for decolonising design. This research positions cultural revitalisation as an active and generative force that informs design strategies, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are embedded within contemporary design discourse and practice.This research positions design as a tool for addressing social and multicultural needs, not only fostering tangible material innovation but also supporting the cultural development and political aspirations of Indigenous communities.

AB - The ethos of decolonising design aims to challenge the Western-centred design narrative to better represent and respect the cultural identities, knowledge systems, and practices of Indigenous and marginalised communities. Traditional design often prioritises economic or commodity-oriented purposes, overlooking the complex and sensitive aspects of Indigenous cultures. This research responds to the call for decolonising design by proposing a framework that examines the cultural revitalisation efforts of the Austronesian Formosans and assesses their significance and implications in the broader context of decolonising design.This study adopts decolonising methodologies and Indigenous research methodologies, employing reflexive thematic analysis to identify six key themes that highlight the challenges faced in Austronesian Formosan cultural revitalisation. These challenges intertwine concepts of liminality and etic/emic perspectives and provide recommendations for adapting design methodologies to be more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the specific concerns and values of Indigenous communities. The framework proposed in this research is intended to serve as a blueprint for the future cultural revitalisation of Austronesian Formosans, supporting and promoting the cultural development and continuity of these groups.This study explores the intersection between cultural revitalisation and design, examining how design can effectively facilitate the preservation and dissemination of Indigenous culture. The shared objectives of decolonising design include ensuring that local knowledge informs design thinking, reflecting traditional patterns in contemporary design, respecting knowledge transmission, and bridging the gap between heritage and innovation. In this study, the phrase "Decolonising Design from Austronesian Formosan Revitalisation" is intended to highlight how decolonising design is influenced by and draws insights from Austronesian Formosan cultural revitalisation rather than being separate from it. The use of "from" signifies a source of knowledge, demonstrating how revitalisation movements provide critical perspectives and methodological guidance for decolonising design. This research positions cultural revitalisation as an active and generative force that informs design strategies, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are embedded within contemporary design discourse and practice.This research positions design as a tool for addressing social and multicultural needs, not only fostering tangible material innovation but also supporting the cultural development and political aspirations of Indigenous communities.

KW - Decolonising Design

KW - Indigenous Cultural Revitalisation

KW - Austronesian Formosans

KW - Indigenous Knowledge Systems

KW - Liminality

KW - Etic/Emic Perspectives

KW - Reflexive Thematic Analysis

U2 - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9703-9969

DO - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9703-9969

M3 - Doctoral Thesis

PB - Lancaster University

ER -