 |
 |
Dear list, recent discussion focused on the issue of definition(s) of design and designing. Ken Friedman pointed out the relativism of such definitions, as well as stating that the existence of multiple definitions of ‘design’ is in fact a sign of a healthy field, and that absolute definitions are illusory. As a contribution to this debate, I would like to bring to the attention of the list the abstract and citation of a recently completed PhD dissertation, which empirically investigated the question ‘What is Design?’ among a sample of design stakeholders in the UK (see below). The starting point for this project was a recognition that there are multiple valid meanings of design, and a belief that there is value in attempting to locate these multiple definitions of design in relation to one another. As Ken Friedman stated in an earlier post (13 July 2003): “The ability to draw on and choose from among a rich set of definitions carries with it a far deeper conceptual power than simply agreeing that other definitions exist than those we use.” This project sought to empirically map the semantic territory of 'design' for just this purpose. A summary account of the project, with an overview of its findings, is given in a paper presented at the European Academy of Design Conference in Barcelona in April 2003 (published proceedings forthcoming): Micklethwaite, P. (2003) ‘Design Means Different Things to Different People’. Paper presented at the 5th European Academy of Design Conference, Barcelona. I would be pleased to forward this paper electronically. I guess this study can be considered as providing a snapshot of what design means / meant to a particular group of individuals, in a particular context, at a particular point in time (and as analyzed by this individual researcher). Many thanks, Dr. Paul Micklethwaite Kingston University, UK PhD dissertation citation & abstract: Micklethwaite, P. (2002) What is Design? An empirical investigation into conceptions of design in the community of design stakeholders. PhD Thesis, University of Huddersfield, UK. This thesis describes a project investigating conceptions of design in the community of design stakeholders. A ‘democratization of design’ is identified, in terms of a widened mode of design engagement. The origins of the project are located in the accompanying observation that ‘design means different things to different people’. The project has three aims: (i) to establish the contemporary UK context for the social study of design; (ii) to expand upon the identified theme of the democratization of design; and (iii) to empirically investigate conceptions of design in the community of design stakeholders. The first two aims are fulfilled through a review and discussion of existing secondary sources. The third aim is fulfilled by primary research, in the form of an empirical interview study conducted with design stakeholder informants. The interview study embodies an interpretative phenomenological theoretical perspective, and employs qualitative research method. A theoretical sample of 31 interview informants was drawn from five design stakeholder groups: Business; Designers; Education; Promotion; Users. Conceptions of design within the collected interview data are investigated through a template analysis. An analysis of collected interview data is presented in the form of an holistic map or ‘template’ of the data organized by thematic discussion of ‘design’. These empirical findings are presented and discussed narratively and graphically. A total of 41 interrelating ‘conceptions of design’ are identified. Empirical findings are synthesized with the response to aims (i) and (ii). This generates two main final research outcomes: firstly, a degree of informant scepticism and ambivalence is apparent towards the heightened political, cultural and economic profile for design; secondly, the democratization of design is seen as a worthy ideal, but one which is difficult to realize. In conclusion, a number of further implications of the project are also discussed.