Can I assume that an example of your interpretation of the term "context"
is provided by Christopher Alexander in his "pattern language." The
language consists of assembly schemes and components to the users who can
assemble their own systems/design themselves, e.i. a single-family house?
Can I assume that what you envisage as context is codified in Alexander's
patterns as (1) the problem/social/user situation and (2) the design
objectives, to name just these two elements of the social "side" of the
pattern, while the other side of the pattern is comprised by the
physical/design solution?
Regards,
Lubomir Popov
On Mon, 28 Jun 1999, john chris jones wrote:
> The discussion of context reminds me that I once used the term 'contextual
> designing' to mean the designing of the context in which designing is done:
>
> 'a change FROM the specifying of geometry, physical form, TO the making of
> a context, a situation, in which it is possible for others, for us all as
> users, makers, imaginers, to determine the geometry ourselves.'
>
> i.e. for designers to cease to design objects and instead to design
> situations (and software) in which everyone can design objects for
> themselves. This is what I now call 'despecialisation' and 'creative
> democracy' (alternatives to professionalism and consumerism).
>
> There are many precedents that go some way towards this. I am thinking of
> those who design systems of parts which users can assemble into products of
> various designs to fit local needs and wishes. I am also thinking of the
> music of John Cage in which he ceases to specify the sounds and instead
> specifies only the process or circumstance in which they can be produced
> and heard. Then, as he says, 'the composer becomes a listener'.
>
> This 'requires a new tradition, a new sensitivity, and much learning by
> everyone'... which makes me think that it is all of us (as minds, as
> people) who are the context of design...so perhaps it is better not to
> think of context as an 'it', or an external - and more revealing to think
> of it as you and me?
>
>
> The quotations are from 'a review of new topics' in 'Design Methods' 2nd
> edition, John Wiley, New York 1992 (previously published by Van Nostrand
> Reinhold, New York) page xxxvi (and at a different page number in the 1980
> edition).
>
>
> john chris jones
> the imaginary rock foundation
> www.softopia.demon.co.uk
>
>
>
>
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