Participatory design in drag: Uses of participatory design for worldbuilding in drag collectives’ performances

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School of Arts, Design and Architecture | Bachelor's thesis
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Date

2025-12-16

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Major/Subject

Design

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Degree programme

Bachelor's Programme in Design
Muotoilun kandidaattiohjelma

Language

en

Pages

25

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Abstract

This thesis investigates how participatory design (PD) principles are present in the worldbuilding practices of drag performers in the context of drag shows. The research aims to understand how PD can support drag communities in imagining, creating, and sharing alternative realities that challenge dominant social norms. Using a qualitative approach, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with seven drag performers from various collectives, exploring their creative processes, collaboration methods, and the social and political impact of their performances. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework by identifying three themes related to the worldbuilding of the drag shows: ideation, production, performance. Additionally, a forth theme emerged: the difficulty of the difficulty drag performers face in accessing institutional art funding. The findings reveal that drag performers already engage in inherently participatory design-oriented practices, to collectively construct alternative worlds where power and knowledge are redistributed. These processes act as participatory resistance both their communities and audiences. The study also identifies structural barriers, such as the lack of institutional recognition and funding by art foundations, museums and public institutions of the art sector. While design experts are not needed to support creative processes, they could play a crucial role in helping collectives communicate the value of their work to external institutions without compromising their autonomy or radicality. This thesis contributes to the fields of participatory design and queer studies by demonstrating how PD principles are already embedded in marginalized communities’ practices and by highlighting opportunities for design to support cultural recognition and resource accessibility of radical artistic collectives. The research produces a map of the participatory principles employed in drag worldbuilding, offering insights for both performers and designers interested in community-centered approaches.

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Supervisor

Chun, Namkyu

Thesis advisor

Miljak, Cvijeta

Keywords

drag show, worldbuilding, participatory design

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202512239519

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[kand] Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu / ARTS (Open access)