> On Mar 17, 2016, at 8:17 PM, Keith Russell <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Dear Chuck,
>
> I don¹t mind questioning the use of things (utility) but I grow concerned
> about the ³purpose of a theory².
> For me, the essential aspect of a theory is that it shows something that
> couldn¹t otherwise been seen.
> At this level of just showing, the ³purpose² would seem to be a rather
> lightweight thing like ³because humans like to show stuff²
>
> The question of purpose is important, for me, when it comes to other
> conceptual things like models and guides.
>
> Hence: the purpose of this guide to design thinking is to Š
> And
> The purpose of this model of design thinking is to . . .
>
> What do you think?
>
> keith
Keith, I believe that design is always purposeful (not necessarily prescriptive or utilitarian) I also believe that artists, poets, and philosophers not to mention ordinary people think purposefully most of the time. When designing this purpose becomes a response to needs and desires that arise as a matter of interest or concern to them, their clients, community, culture, etc. I believe that all purposeful thought is intentional and goal directed even when neither intentions or goals are clear.However, a theory needs a clear purpose, to say what it is about, before it can attempt to address whatever it is about. It takes more than purpose to formulate a good theory as this statement suggests.
"To be effective the purpose of a theory must be clear, its components well defined, organized, and relevant to the circumstances the theory addresses. It must clearly communicate the knowledge needed to support actions that realize its purposes. It must provide evidence of its own effectiveness and enrich human knowledge about the subjects and contexts it addresses.
To get an idea about the interpretive range of the kind of theory of design thinking I believe is appropriate, you might look at “The Question of Beauty In and By Design” it goes to the idea that design as we know it is a "functional art”, not necessarily in a utilitarian or restrictive sense. That depends on your purpose, circumstances, knowledge, ability, and character. It can generate transformative or ethereal experiences or artifacts, and much else besides - not all of it good.
Or so I believe,
Chuck
PS. I hope this goes to your question but re reading it I may have not responded adequately to your specific desire to understand my intention for the theory “as 'guide” or “model”. Briefly, It is intended as a language like structure that can be variously interpreted, instantiated, and applied depending on your purpose, need, or desire. Its intent as a model is, roughly speaking, that the different kinds of information involved, the primary modes of thought, and their instrumental structure should meet the following criteria:
1. All must correspond to normal patterns of human thought, interpretation, and expression.
2. All must be easily recognizable and useful during human thought and behavior.
3. All must involve the minimal number of mutually distinct kinds, modes, and structures consistent with purposeful thought.
4. All must interact with one another in any purposeful thought.
>
>
>
>
>
> On 18/03/2016, 9:00 AM, "PhD-Design - This list is for discussion of PhD
> studies and related research in Design on behalf of CHARLES BURNETTE"
> <[log in to unmask] on behalf of [log in to unmask]>
> wrote:
>
>> "To be effective the purpose of a theory must be clear,
>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> PhD-Design mailing list <[log in to unmask]>
> Discussion of PhD studies and related research in Design
> Subscribe or Unsubscribe at https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/phd-design
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
PhD-Design mailing list <[log in to unmask]>
Discussion of PhD studies and related research in Design
Subscribe or Unsubscribe at https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/phd-design
-----------------------------------------------------------------
|