003 - Why Do We Design With Hostility?

In this episode of But Why? A Design Podcast, we are joined by Sarah Booth to explore an uncomfortable but necessary question: Why do we design with hostility?Together, we unpack how environments, systems and processes can unintentionally exclude, overwhelm or alienate. From workplaces and public spaces to services and everyday interactions, this conversation challenges the assumption that good design automatically leads to good outcomes.Sarah invites us to slow down and look beneath intent, asking where efficiency, control or legacy thinking has overridden empathy, care and lived experience. We talk about power, responsibility and the subtle ways design decisions shape behaviour, dignity and belonging.A central theme emerges: what if designers became choreographers of care? What if we designed not just for function or aesthetics, but for emotional safety, inclusion and human experience?This episode is reflective, provocative and quietly hopeful. It is not about blame, but about awareness, accountability and the opportunity to do better.Topics explored include:* What “hostile design” really looks like and why it often goes unnoticed* The difference between intention and impact in design decision-making* Who gets centred and who gets excluded by default* Designing with care, empathy and responsibility* Reframing the designer’s role as a choreographer of human experienceAs always, the conversation is unscripted, honest and occasionally uncomfortable.Keep questioning, keep exploring, and most importantly… keep asking, But Why?Keen to Support Us?But Why? A Design Podcast is proudly an independent self-funded publication.Subscribers get early access to new episodes, behind the mic reflections, design field notes, and thoughtful essays that expand conversations beyond the recordings.Never miss an update! Every new post is sent directly to your email inbox. Subscribe here: About - But Why? A Design PodcastIf you are feeling generous you can make a pledge but if you would rather just buy us a coffee, we would love that too! Shout us a coffee through this link: https://buymeacoffee.com/butwhyadesignpodcastShow LinksSarah BoothSpacemarketWinston Churchill TrustProduced by us.Music by Jessica Hooks. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.butwhyadesignpodcast.com