Dear Ken,
I disagree with you profoundly and in so many ways that it would take a lifetime of responses to this list to even scratch the surface. Life is too short.
It's probably better to simply regard my comments as provocations, invitations to reflect rather than opportunities to attack and dismiss. I make the assumption that at least 95% of what I write is wrong, and the other 5% is probably not very interesting. None of it is original. If the issues I raise are not interesting, just ignore them. I will not be offended.
But, just for the record:
1. A long time ago, in parallel with Simon's work, I developed a definition of design which I still think is better than Simon's, but that would take a long time to debate. So I do have and use a definition of design which I apply in all my work, though I now think it needs revision.
Sless D (1978)
Definition of design: originating useful systems
Design Methods and Theories 12 (2) 123-30
2. As you point out, Singapore University of Technology and Design also uses the term, “the Big D.” and having read it, I find it consistent with my notion of the Big D
3. Having participated in the on-line conference about a design curriculum, I stand by my reflections on the subject. The report may read differently. I must confess, having taken part in that conference, I lost interest in the subject. Time permitting I will take your advice.
4. BTW, I have read your article in Visible Language. I hope you have read mine in the same edition.
5. Your claim that "all professions that serve human beings do so because the service they offer provides benefits" just triggers my skeptical turn of mind. I'm sure many on this list would want to question the basis of this claim (in the absence of evidence).
For my part, I will continue to reflect on things at a 'level' that I think is appropriate. 'Going Deeper' is in my view an inappropriate and much misused 20th Century intellectual metaphor which, but for the academy—where thinking is the cheapest and easiest mode of action—would have been discredited long ago. And I believe that serious people should take that view seriously.
There you go, another provocation!
David
--
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------
|