I would suggest Professor Margaret Boden.
If she is to fit your criteria, I shouldn't have to introduce her, here. But anyhow, she's a philosopher who has specialised in cognitive science and is very interested in the connections in social sciences and humanities. She has some interest in design, too, and I think that would grow in the right circumstances.
She is wonderfully widely read, and full of a continuing intellectual curiosity. And "application" seems an interest of hers.
If you need a contact, I'd be pleased to help.
Ranulph
On 21 Dec 2012, at 01:51, Don Norman wrote:
> I've been asked to put together a debate to discuss how to move the
> academic disciplines in the social, cognitive, and behavioral sciences into
> the applied arena, especially including design (as one of the applied
> target areas).
>
> I would like a lively, constructive debate.
>
> One important criterion imposed by the sponsoring organization is to use
> the discussion as a way of engaging the academic and industrial communities
> to a deeper engagement. Right now, the academic disciplines in the social
> and behavioral sciences are remarkably uninterested in applying their
> knowledge. As a result, many industries are uninterested in hiring people
> from these disciplines. The goal is to change that. This is an ambitious
> goal, but the sponsor is both ambitious and prestigious. ,
>
> To start this major shift, it is important to attract major players in both
> academia and industry, so we need a big name person: someone well known
> outside of the usual academic disciplines. This narrows the field
> considerably. One person that we considered is Herb Simon, but he doesn't
> seem to be available (although I am considering engaging a poltergeist to
> convince him).
>
> So, who would be knowledgeable enough about the relevant academic areas
> and applications, while also having sufficient visibility to attract people
> outside the disciplines?
>
> We would prefer an established authority rather than a famous journalist.
>
> Cost IS an object. (I'm not getting paid either.)
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Don
>
>
> Don Norman. Nielsen Norman Group, IDEO Fellow
> Latest book: "Living with Complexity <http://www.jnd.org/books.html#608>"
> Revision of "Design of Everyday Things" completed. Pub date Q3 2013
>
>
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