On the Grounds of Solutionism: Ontologies of Blackness and HCI

Why is the solution end point to a problem? While many in HCI and design have examined impulse solve problems–the solutionist or techno-solutionist mindset–we examine logic that binds problem together as pair. Focusing on timely consequential of systemic racial injustice, we think through paradoxical possibility pairing (so often treated default HCI) perpetuates very conditions seek improve. With Calvin Warren’s profound Afro-pessimism, recognize how tools used structural inequities around Black life are constructed with themselves. The problem-solution, therefore, dead end. We use this paradox an invitation rethink ongoing efforts equity justice more broadly, setting out fragile but hopeful path for design.