There may be a correlation between the level of what has been termed
'creativity' in design students, and their degree of awareness of how
ontological constructs constrain the ways in which they visualise solutions
to given problems.
In the fine art department here at Swansea, drawing is taught as a means of
realising ontological constructions through geometry. It has been found
(Riley 2001) that the more students understand about their own cultural
constructions of reality, and those of others, the better they become at
devising original ways of visually representing perceptual and emotional
experiences.
I wonder, could 'creativity' in design students be developed in similar
ways? After all, isn't a designer's most valuable asset the ability to
empathise with users' needs?
Ken has already mentioned the cltad conference. If anyone would like to read
the abstract of my paper, go to www.linst.ac.uk/cltad/conf/rileyab.htm
Reference
RILEY,H. 2001 The Intelligence of Seeing PhD thesis, University of Wales.
Dr Howard Riley PhD MA(RCA)
Coordinator for Postgraduate Research
School of Art & Design
Swansea Institute
Townhill Road
Swansea SA2 0UT
UK
Phone +01792 481285
Fax +01792 205305
email [log in to unmask]
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