Decolonizing ‘energy exchange’ through global design anthropology

Addressing global challenges, such as achieving an inclusive energy transition, involves navigating through prevalent ideologies and interconnected infrastructures that advocate specific ways of engaging with the world. However, these dominant ideologies and infrastructures can impose significant constraints on alternative ways of being—essentially hindering the design of sustainable futures with global applicability. Designers must recognize and emancipate themselves from these forms of colonization.

In this context, we introduce a global design anthropology program dedicated to embracing a decolonized understanding of the emerging phenomenon of 'energy exchange between households.' The prevalent comprehension of this phenomenon has predominantly been influenced by neoliberal market thinking, primarily centered around the concept of energy 'trading.' The program started with anthropology-through-design field research in two rural villages in India, employing an open-design energy infrastructure to investigate and conceptualize diverse and alternative ways of energy exchange. Insights gathered and concepts identified were subsequently expanded upon through additional field research conducted in the Netherlands.

The outcomes underscore how a global and open exploration of a phenomenon through design anthropology can decolonize knowledge and unveil alternative ways of being that are scalable. Our work seeks to motivate design anthropologists to challenge established perspectives and phenomena knowledge by actively engaging in global anthropology-through-design programs. This involves fostering awareness, transcending dominant and colonized frameworks, and exploring through open-design infrastructures in diverse global field settings.