*CFP – Applying Theory thru Design Projects - American Anthropological Association Conference – Open to Anthropologists & Non-Anthropologists (Abstracts of 250-300 words due March 26, 2010)* *Objective:* To expand the availability of ideas across disciplines about the theory of design based on practice by inviting a panel of design thinkers to share their experiences with operationalizing or applying theory through project work. *Goals:* The first is to understand the theoretical framework used in a project, what the theoretical limitations were, and what advice could be shared with others relying on similar theories. Critiques should be accompanied by an alternative theory or framework or lessons learned. The second goal is to explain how at least one broad concept used in anthropology was explored through the design process. A few examples include discourse, gender, identity, neoliberalism, poverty, power, race, sexuality, spirituality, sustainability, technology and the media. Finally, the long-term goal of the panel is to encourage the expansion of courses and programs focusing on design anthropology by producing a physical or digital publication that can be widely accessible. *Background:* Ten years ago the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA) in the U.S. published an edited volume arguing for anthropologists to test theories outside of academia. Since the publication of *Unity of Theory and Practice in Anthropology: Rebuilding a Fractured Synthesis* (eds. Carole Hill & Marietta Baba 2000), design anthropology has blossomed. It is recognized as an innovative sub-discipline with skilled ethnographers hired to solve problems dealing with products, services, and public policies. Anthropologists and others involved in design are uniquely situated to revisit Hill & Baba’s suggestions for applying theory and informing the broader academic community of their findings. *Conference & Abstract Details:* The 2010 American Anthropological Association (AAA) conference is scheduled to be held November 17-21 in New Orleans. Panel participants do not need to be there physically, but their conference fee would have to be paid. Their paper can be shared with the audience by another panel participant and possibly via an Internet video conferencing portal. The panel will attempt to be podcasted, allowing for the timely dissemination of ideas. Papers are encouraged to be presented with the same creativity espoused in design thinking to produce something both educational and entertaining. Book and online publishers will be approached upon review of the proposed abstracts. Those selected to participate on the panel will be asked to serve as a reviewer for another panelist’s paper prior to the presentation. *Anthropologists and non-anthropologists are welcome to submit abstracts of 250-300 words in English, discussing the goals mentioned above, by Friday, March 26, 2010.* The panel will be submitted to the NAPA section of the AAA for consideration. Please email abstracts in a Microsoft Word document to mkh (at) mail.usf.eduwith the subject heading “2010 AAA Conference – Design Anthropology Panel.” The panel organizer is Marc K. Hébert. He is a PhD candidate in applied anthropology at the University of South Florida researching how the design of an e-government welfare program in Florida is experienced by applicants, librarians and NGO staff. Further details about the conference are available here: http://www.aaanet.org/meetings/Call-for-Papers.cfm. *Please distribute this announcement across national and disciplinary borders.* Marc K. Hébert PhD Candidate, Anthropology University of South Florida 4202 East Fowler Avenue, SOC 107 Tampa, Florida 33620-7200 U.S.A. http://anthropology.usf.edu/graduate/hebert/