Panel Discussion: "Taboos Surrounding Sexuality and How to Address Them through Design"

The Faculty of Arts, Design, and Audiovisual Communication at the University organized a panel discussion that explored an innovative and symbolic approach to addressing taboo topics through design. This event, led by M.Sc. Karla Caicedo, is crucial for the development of final projects in the course "Product Design I".

During the panel discussion, the focus was on how businesses, experiences, designs, and products can foster dialogues that sensitively and clearly address taboo subjects. Participating students will design a pasta (noodle) inspired by a taboo, exploring how its shape, ingredients, and consumption context can convey the essence of topics such as sexuality, religion, menstruation, disabilities, and death.

The forum included faculty members with extensive experience in the field, as well as external experts who contributed their expertise and knowledge to offer an enriching perspective. Juan Sebastián Mosquera shared the experience of "Derecho al Placer" (Right to Pleasure), a project aimed at promoting sexual and emotional well-being inclusively and liberally, considering the diversity of identities and orientations.

Edgar Jiménez addressed advertising and marketing aspects related to taboo topics, explaining how companies have adapted their language to social conventions and how they can approach complex issues subtly. Gabriela Sánchez, CEO of "Dulce de Leche," shared her company's experience in selling pleasure-related products, promoting values of respect and joy in sexuality without resorting to vulgarity.

These talks allow future designers to gain knowledge in conveying concepts, ideas, sensations, and experiences through tangible elements such as flavors, smells, and colors, considering the context and needs of users and customers when addressing complex topics.