Designing with Indigenous knowledge: policy and protocols for respectful and authentic cross-cultural representation in communication design practice

Set within the frame of proposed Indigenous recognition in the Australian Constitution, this research asserts the need for informed understanding of how to appropriately represent Indigenous culture and to its broader relationship with the Australian national identity. It explores the notion of knowledge sharing and investigates methods to improve the quality of Indigenous graphical representation in communication design practice. The research asks, what are the protocols required for practitioners working on projects involving the visual representation of Indigenous knowledge and culture? The findings outline a cognitive strategy based on respectful engagement processes, cultural protocols and Indigenous-led collaboration.