Ken wisely said:
"One of the challenges of design research is the fact
that we require
high-level global theories covering the full domain,
mid-range
theories that bridge and operationalize high-level
concepts, and
situated theories that serve within fields and
subfields. Some
situated theories also render general process and
activities concrete."
The problem is that theories of purposeful thinking
(design) need to be integrated across all levels and
domains of application. We need high level theories
that address purposeful thinking across disciplines
(which Erik and Harold argue for), but ones that that
are operationally defined in ways that can be
instantiated in concrete situations and domains of
interest (which Lubomir argues for). Both higher level
theories and professional conduct need a common
framework of reference, interaction and assessment.
Working to address this, I have argued (not unlike
Erik and Harold) that design thinking is a universal
discipline, the instantiation of which depends on its
particular intent, context and background. Children
design as effectively within their frame of reference
as do professional designers (architects, authors,
musicians,poets,scientists, etc.)in theirs. The
"common ground" sought for design theory, research and
practice will never be encompassing enough if it is
focused primarily on professional competence in the
field in which we practice. Nor will it have practical
value if it can not support situated thought and
behavior in any field or on any subject. As designers,
design educators and researchers we need to reframe
our goals to seek a comprehensive integrated
theoretical framework that is operationally
(computationally and behaviorally) defined as well as
emotionally meaningful and personally useful.
Computational and behavioral because the interactive
complexity warrants it, personally useful and
meaningful because we are individually (and
collectively) human.
Chuck
Dr. Charles Burnette
234 South Third Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tel: +215 629 1387
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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