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Subject:

Re: Answer to Rosan on "simple histories." Clarification on the other question.

From:

Rosan Chow <[log in to unmask]>

Reply-To:

Rosan Chow <[log in to unmask]>

Date:

Tue, 25 Mar 2003 13:22:43 +0100

Content-Type:

text/plain

Parts/Attachments:

Parts/Attachments

text/plain (87 lines)

Dear Ken

First of all, sorry for the late reply. It was my turn to do house chores and it took the life 
out of me. Secondly, I must express my appreciation for allowing me to discuss your work 
directly with you. I find it a privilege. 

As I said before, I am quite sure it is my problem that I am unable to derive meaning to
 enrich my own understanding through reading of your work in theory. I have never 
reflected on the reasons why it is so. But with your encouragement, I have reflected on it 
 by using your article "Theory construction in design research: Criteria, approaches and methods".* 

There are various reasons why reading your assay doesn’t clarify my own thoughts.  I believe
 there are some assumptions that I find problematic but they are not addressed in your essay.
 And on which you do spend your energy, I regret to say that I don’t find it very enriching. 
Finally, it maybe just personal interest that influences on what I pay attention to. 
Here are some examples to illustrate what I mean:

"Design involves creating something new or transforming a less desirable situation to a 
preferred situation. To do this, designers must know how things work and why". (Abstract). 

In my post dated March 21, 2003, I have indicated the hole between description & explanation 
and prescription. Knowing how things work and why may build theories, but to suggest that
 theories can help designers design, I need more articulation than what is provided in your 
essay. From the first sentence to the second sentence, I find that a big gap needs to be filled
 first before I can be convinced of the value of theories for the practice of design.  

"Design is of NECESSITY in transition from art and craft practice to a form of technical and 
social science focused on how to do things to accomplish goals" (emphasis added p.10)

Why is it a necessity? The change (or progress if you will) in the profession of design, the 
discipline of design and the field of design are not governed by any nature laws. The change is initiated by people. Why design has to become a technical and social science for me requires yet more articulation. Why do we have to model other fields? Why can’t we critically examine what we have been doing that others fields have not and then go from there?

"Because this paper does not describe a philosophy of science…. I merely point to the fact that 
explicit and articulate statements are the basis of all theoretical activities, all theorizing, and all
 theory construction". (p.18)

Although I understand why you have gone to such a great length to make that point in your
 essay, and I also find it quite useful for some discussion; I regret to say that for me, it is hardly
 enriching. 

"Many avenues deserve exploration in the future. These include linking theory building to 
the perspectives of design (science)…" (p.19)

This is, I think, precisely is what is not explored in your essay, but it is a point that "I" find 
most interesting and critical for building theories in the name of design.  You probably have
 done much work since ‘common ground’ and I look forward to reading it. 

I have responded to your request, however incomplete. May I ask you again to provide the
 basis for the following statements that you have made:

"This is linked to one of your provocative notes to someone else in which
      you argued that one need not review the literature to design. If what you
      wish to do is design, you do not need to read the literature. If you wish
      to discuss research issues, you DO need to read the literature.

      It is my observation that you are a strong personality who loves to provoke
      by asking questions. I also observe that you do not seem to pay attention
      to or learn from the answers that people offer. Thus the rather provocative
      note someone wrote that so irritated you last month".

If it were a misunderstanding, then I would appreciate a public retrieval of these statements. 

Best Regards
Rosan


* Friedman, Ken. 2002. "Theroy Construction in Design Research. Criteria, Approaches and 
Methods." Common Ground. Proceedings of the Design Research Society International 
Conference at Brunel University, September 5-7, 2002.  (Brunel University, David Durling
 and John Shackleton. Stoke on Trent: Stafford University Press.



Ken Friedman <[log in to unmask]> schrieb am 21.03.03 17:26:16:

> 
> Would you please quote the passages in my writings on theory that
> seem unclear to you? Please point to what you question or challenge.
> I will be happy to give a fair answer. I will appreciate a precise
> reference so that I can find and review the unclear passage in
> context.
> 

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