Over the last 40 years, many approaches to design have been put forward by various researchers, designers and engineers, both in academia and industry, on how design ought to and might be carried out. These proposals on design have tended towards what has come to be regarded as design philosophies, design models and design methods. The thesis of this paper is to discuss various aspects of generic research in design, within the above classifications in the light of the work that has been done in the last four decades. Discussions will focus on various definitions of design, design theory and methodology, the nature and variety of design problems, design classifications, philosophies, models, methods and systems.
pjt111 taylor on 14 Dec 11see esp. Transformational Deisgn Transformational Design: 1) Defining and redefining the brief: Whereas traditionally designers are brought in to follow a brief, the transformation design approach involves an analysis of the wider implications of a design problem. 2) Collaboration between disciplines: Recognizing that complex problems need to be addressed through a multI-faceted approach, we rely on collaboration for results. 3) Employing participatory design techniques: Advocating bottom-up design methodology - involving users and front-line workers in the design process. Making the design process more accessible to 'non-designers'. 4) Building capacity not dependency: Transformational design seeks to leave behind not only a designed solution, but the tools, skills and organizational capacity to respond to change. 5) Designing beyond traditional solutions & 'systems thinking'. Applying design skills in non-traditional territories, and also creating non-traditional design outputs. 'Systems thinking' is the ability to consider an issue holistically rather than reductively. 6) Creating fundamental change: Transformational design aims high: to fundamentally transform systems and cultures.
