Followers of the thread on design by all might be interested in the work of
Angela Dumas. The idea of 'silent design', suggested in the articles of
Dumas and Gorb (1987) and Dumas and Mintzberg (1989), outlines a 'generalist
approach to design' , where they note that:
'Many aspects of the design process are carried out by
managers in roles that are not perceived by anyone in the organisation to be
design-related. These people operate as silent designers; they are
frequently key players in the effective use of design.' (Dumas and
Mintzberg 1989, p. 42)
Adoption of this catholic perspective of design activity is illustrated by
its use by the Australian Academy of Design in its policy statement where
it drew heavily on this evidence, stating:
... the ultimate intention is to have everyone concerned
with design. Hence we describe this as "silent design". [The hope is that]
design becomes a way of life in the organisation. (Australian Academy of
Design 1991)
Which may help explain why theAcademy is no longer active as a peak body.
Dumas, A. and Gorb, P. (1987), 'Silent Design', Design Studies 8, 3, July,
150-156.
Dumas, A. and Mintzberg, H. (1989), 'Managing Design, Designing Management',
Design Management Journal 1, 1, 37-43.
Alun Price, Senior Lecturer
School of Design
Curtin University
Perth, Western Australia
PO Box U1987 Western Australia 6845
Phone: #61 8 9266 4107
Fax: #61 8 9266 2980
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
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