Gregory Bateson is direct when he defines the importance of context to
meaning, behaviour and evolution;
" . . . 'context' is linked to another undefined notion called 'meaning'.
Without context, words and actions have no meaning at all. This is true not
only of human communications in words but also of all communication
whatsoever, of all metal process, of all mind, including that which tells
the sea anemone how to grow and the amoeba what he should do next . . . I
am asserting that whatever the word context means, it is an appropriate
word, the necessary word, in the description of all these distantly related
processes."
Its true that 'contexts' are ultimately regressive if placed relative to a
particular object, process or practice. However, it is only through
designers having knowledge of actual and potential use contexts of their
design that any real attempt can be made to attempt a 'user-centred' model
of design practice.
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Derek Nicoll - Research Fellow [log in to unmask]
The University of Edinburgh Management SchoolTEL. +44 131-650-9098
The University of Edinburgh FAX. +44 131-650 6501
7, Bristo Square Telex 727442 (UNIVED G)
Edinburgh EH8 9AL *home*
Scotland, UK http://www.ed.ac.uk/~ejuv19/dnhom.html
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