I was wondering if anyone out there is familiar with any literature about
'design axiology'(in regard to industrial/product design).
I am aware that in the 1970's Bruce Archer (first?) introduced the term as part
of his "l0-part breakdown of the design field" defining it as "the study of
worth in the design area, with special regard to the relations between
technical, economic, moral, social and aesthetic values". While he perhaps
just introduced a potential sub-field, has anyone else picked up the torch
under the same or similar rubric?
My dissertation research (sociocultural anthropology) deals with the
'production and consumption of value' surrounding artifacts. While I am
primarily dealing with anthropological/sociological theory and hope to be able
to bring the fruits of my work to industrial design, i am not sure of the
current state of value theory within industrial/product design.
**** More engineer humor(?) (in spite of ken's problematization of a previous
example):
While studying mechanical engineering one of my (civil) engineering professors
presented the class with the following as illustrative of engineering
mentality:
In the corners of a large triangular room stand an engineer, mathematician, and
an attractive male or female of a sexual orientation complimentary to that of
the engineer and mathematician (politically correct sanitization mine). The
engineer and mathematician are told that they can move half way toward the
attractive being. After stopping they are told that they can again move half
way. After stopping again they are told that they may continue with successive
half-way moves. The mathematician stops, saying that this was a ridiculous
venture as he would never actually reach the attractive being as there are an
infinite number half-ways; he self-righteously leaves. The engineer however
agrees to continue knowing that while not perfect he can get close enough to
make it work.
I wonder if it were a square room with designer added to the mix how she/he
would proceed. Feel free to respond with what you might think exemplifies
design mentality. (But I am more concerned with your views on design axiology!)
Thanks!
Bruce
Bruce M. Tharp
PhD Candidate, Sociocultural Anthropology
The University of Chicago
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