In the late 1960s and early 1970s a broad view of design and design research
was held by john chris jones and other DRS members. At present, however,
the design research literature seems focussed around technical design
(e.g. engineering, architecture, computer assisted design, town planning),
and design in the 'Art and Design' tradition. More and more, I find myself
researching designing in those areas that fit within the early broad
definitions of design, but lie outside much of the current tradition.
For example, the design of government policy, creating models of distant
'futures', devising organisational structures . . .
There are some qualitative differences between researching in these 'other'
areas of design, and 'normal' design research, and these are especially
obvious in relation to 'context' and 'universal' design. I wonder whether
it is now time to encourage these other sides of design research back
into the design debate.
I look forward to comments, and especially any contact from researchers
involved in the 'other' side.
Best wishes
Terry
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Dr. Terence Love
Praxis Education
GPO Box 226
Quinns Rocks
Western Australia 6030
Tel & Fax +61 8 9305 7629
Email: [log in to unmask]
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