This UGC seminar session was an attempt to understand, from a non-traditional lens, the relevance of critical theory in context to today’s ever-changing technology space that is moving towards the Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Distributed Computing, become much more important in history than ever, as it deals with softer aspects of human identity and socio-cultural dimension through communication or human expression. This interactive session will have two major focus:

• A brief overview of the critical theories from a diachronic lens that will be helping the students in grasping the fundamentals in a socio-cultural context.
• A cross-discipline comparison with the modern design-driven practices in the software industry that would help the students understand the potential and opportunities in the real world scenario where these theories would help.

This paper explores the intersection of critical theory and the evolving landscape of design operations (DesignOps/ DesOps), with a particular focus on the emergence of semantic design systems. Critical theory, traditionally rooted in the analysis of social structures and power dynamics, offers a lens through which we can interrogate the methodologies, processes, and practices that underpin design and technology. As design systems become increasingly semantic—incorporating advanced AI, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making—the role of DesignOps in orchestrating and optimizing these complex processes has expanded. The rise of DesignOps reflects the need for more systematic and scalable approaches to design, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and collaboration across diverse teams and projects. However, without the guiding principles of critical theory, there is a risk that DesignOps may reinforce existing biases, perpetuate inequities, and prioritize efficiency over ethical considerations. This paper argues that integrating critical theory into DesignOps can provide a more holistic framework, allowing practitioners to critically assess the impact of design decisions on broader social and cultural contexts. By examining case studies and theoretical perspectives, the paper envisions a future where DesignOps not only facilitates streamlined workflows and innovation but also actively contributes to more equitable and socially responsible design practices. This synthesis of critical theory and DesignOps presents a compelling roadmap for the future of design, one where the power of semantic design systems is harnessed with an acute awareness of their socio-cultural implications.