Dear all,
Erik has written :
" It can't be the case that what constitutes the "human limitations
of the
understanding of an individual designer" is something given. I guess
that
all os us have different ways to define what would/could be seen as
"biological human limitations". But, I am not sure it is possible to
conclude that a limit of human understanding can be matched with some
intrinsic qualities of a particular design situation. Such an argument
assumes that we are able to clearly define (i) what the limits of human
understanding are and (ii) what constitutes design situations with a
certain
intrinsic level of complexity and (iii) how these two categories can be
compared. I see no possible way to succeed with this.
Why not instead rephrase the questions to something like ""How can
designers
improve and develop their ability to approach and deal with highly
complex
real world design situations?" It is a question without built-in
ontological
assumptions. One answer might be that designers in some cases need to
better
utilize advanced scientific theories and tools, and I see no problem
with
that."
Though I do understand the epistemological concerns that Erik is
expressing, I believe that what Terry has in mind (or how I interpret
it) is a rather pragmatic question.
And, as I think that it can take most of its value if it is kept on a
pragmatic dimension, I would recommend a small, but in my view
relevant book that indirectly deals (in my view) with the issue :
Creating System Innovation
Creating System Innovation: How Large Scale Transitions Emerge
Hans de Bruijn,
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 9058096726 DDC: 658.4063 Edition: Hardcover; 2004-04-15
It is not written by designers, but by the Policy and Management unit
of the TU Delft. Nevertheless, and as it deals with large scale
problems (3 case studies; probably wicked problems, with various
agents, and the necessity to conclude, whether successful or not, but
the change cannot be reverted), it has something that I believe
echoes Terry's concerns. When I was reading them, I kept wondering
where the contribution of designers competencies (I am talking of
their professional competencies : to create forms that convey
meaning) could have helped in the process.
I like the first case they discuss (water management of the
Everglades national park).
Regards,
Jean
|