Hi Lenita,



You have taken a shot at a fascinating problem. It fascinates me because I don't see a solution. 



The problem is not unique to architecture and interior design. When I go to a doctor, the parlance is difficult even for me. If we read legal documents, the language is incomprehensible. 

And don't try to read accounting sheets. The words have very different meanings than in everyday life. The worst part is that we might think we understand it and act upon our understanding, not according to the actual intent. 



Professional terminology has a number of functions, and control and oppression are only the side effects. The most important function of terminology is to create a quick way of communicating complex and abstract ideas without explaining and defining them every time. Professionals and scientists need terminology to communicate faster in their own communities. The problem arises when they start communicating with other parties outside their communities. 



Explaining an idea sometimes is very difficult. Even describing a simple object or phenomenon takes a lot of effort. I have read that the description of the flow of blood in the vein might take about 1,000 pages. So, in the professional communities, they have developed terms. One term is one word, but it stands for a very complex concept that is explained in dozens of pages. Also, the terms are used for quick referencing of ideas. 



So, how can we communicate the complexity of a phenomenon or an idea in 30 seconds? With a term. However, this is possible only within one community. Any attempt to simplify the concept/term might lead to bastardization and worst of all, communication of notions that are plain wrong. Plus, the receiving party will still construe the communication the way they can, and not the way it is intended, no matter how much the sender tries. 



Actually, the only way to tackle this problem is to develop multiple solutions.



The problem will actualize differently depending on the communication parties. The situation with a designer and a residential building owner might be very different than the situation between a designer and a corporate facilities planning team that represents the corporation (users and decision-makers). 



I just sketched a few considerations here. There are many more left. This is a huge problem area, involving several major disciplines. This can make a good topic for a doctoral dissertation. I wish you to crack this nut and make a real breakthrough.



Best wishes,



Lubomir



---- Lenita Psychogios skrev ----



Dear List Members,





I am a current design student who has completed a Bachelor Degree in Interior and Spatial Design and currently undertaking an Honours degree, looking into design communication and how we (as designers) can step away from visually stunning aesthetics of design to articulate our concepts to clients who are 'non-designers'. Throughout my course of study it became known to me that we get tied up in speaking our design lingo to non-designers who potentially have no idea what were talking about. This became apparent in one of the units I completed. It sparked an interest when a head of department at my university told me that they had designers fly over to present to them a new design concept, which contained beautifully executed CAD drawings and a wonderfully crafted speech telling them what they needed, all the while this individual was clueless with all the details of what they were being offered.



I have come to you intuitive designers abroad to seek any readings, advice or other means that can help present situations where we don't use design principals to present concepts and instead use other means that work just effectively but are not used often enough.



Essentially I am aiming to find the following:



What aids in the clients decision making process.



What are other alternatives that designers can use to aid in the decision making process.



How can we better the relationship between client and designer.



What are the benefits - if any - for designers to step down to their clients level of understanding to ensure they understand what it is they are getting involved with.



What methods of research can be used.



And finally, can designers step away from using design principals to articulate concepts.





I was also wanting to ask if any designers have worked in Perth Western Australia and have found any flaws when working here and if so are there any avenues you can suggest be implemented here, which you have used elsewhere and found effective?





Many thanks in advanced!





Regards,





Lenita.





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