NextD Journal: ISLANDS OF COHERENCE: How We Make Sense of Don Norman’s Making Sense of Design:
Weekend reading for those who might have missed this earlier..
Embracing Community Complexities
Parts 1 & 2:
Welcome back NextD Journal readers. This week, a different kind of adventure in two parts. Since we have invested in helping to make sense of several complicated subjects over the years, we greatly appreciate all attempts at sensemaking within the design community, around the topics of design / design thinking / rethinking design. With that appreciation in mind we took a look at the recently published Don Norman video; "The Role of Design".
https://lnkd.in/eJQGFhU4
Design for Complexity Group / Join here:
https://lnkd.in/dBNmiHq
Here's the thing: AI is powerful, but it can't replace human curiosity (ok, yet). Our AI tools are driving us towards an Age of Average (see link).
Qualitative research and deep customer insights are what will set you apart.
https://lnkd.in/dgEykwCC
Board Director at IDSA • Ph.D. Researcher at MIT • Adjunct Associate Professor at SCU
How might we better visualize complexity and systemic challenges? Mapping our thoughts could offer an alternative perspective.
Two months ago, I delved into the editorial design collection "Explorers: Thoughts on Mapping in Design Research" published by Stby and edited by Megan Anderson and Geke van Dijk, finding a wealth of insights on mapping invisible callenges, system of systems, sensory mapping, and even speculative mapping in policymaking within social structures.
For example, Michael Pierre Johnson and Megan Anderson highlighted the concept of bringing boundaries through mapping (P28), leveraging "design artifact" with the notion of a "boundary object," initially proposed by Star and Griesemer (1989) to facilitate cooperation among teams from diverse backgrounds without necessarily reaching a consensus. Jesse Grimes (P19) shared his perspectives on conveying the complexity of services through visualizing the "service ecosystem." Jesse also offered clear instructions and informative visuals on how we can create our own service ecosystem.
These profound insights, coupled with concrete examples, inspired me and prompted me to explore the experimental application of the boundary objects theory to examine our built environment and human behavior through the lens of Design for Longevity (D4L).
Using boundary objects for enhanced design perspectives and insights: https://lnkd.in/g5FDM5Fr
More books and inspiration: https://lnkd.in/eCskR5yE
I just ran across this fascinating post by #ShengHungLee on mapping complexity and systemic challenges, and the insights he obtained applying boundary object theory to maps in real-world service environments. I was struck by the potential mapping had for complexity, but also by the potential for the process and the result to exclude those who are not involved. A good reminder why we keep expanding our design toolboxes, and choose our approaches and tools mindfully.
I'll finish with two recommendations :
1. Read the comments on Sheng-Hung Lee's post. You won't be disappointed!
2. Read Sheng-Hung Lee's article on boundary objects (linked in the post). He makes some very intriuiging observations about how boundary objects--like maps--can bring together diverse groups, and that's just the beginning.
As for me, I'm adding #ExplorersThoughtsOnMappingInDesignResearch to my ever-expanding booklist.😉
#MappingComplexity#BoundaryObjectTheory#DesignTools
Board Director at IDSA • Ph.D. Researcher at MIT • Adjunct Associate Professor at SCU
How might we better visualize complexity and systemic challenges? Mapping our thoughts could offer an alternative perspective.
Two months ago, I delved into the editorial design collection "Explorers: Thoughts on Mapping in Design Research" published by Stby and edited by Megan Anderson and Geke van Dijk, finding a wealth of insights on mapping invisible callenges, system of systems, sensory mapping, and even speculative mapping in policymaking within social structures.
For example, Michael Pierre Johnson and Megan Anderson highlighted the concept of bringing boundaries through mapping (P28), leveraging "design artifact" with the notion of a "boundary object," initially proposed by Star and Griesemer (1989) to facilitate cooperation among teams from diverse backgrounds without necessarily reaching a consensus. Jesse Grimes (P19) shared his perspectives on conveying the complexity of services through visualizing the "service ecosystem." Jesse also offered clear instructions and informative visuals on how we can create our own service ecosystem.
These profound insights, coupled with concrete examples, inspired me and prompted me to explore the experimental application of the boundary objects theory to examine our built environment and human behavior through the lens of Design for Longevity (D4L).
Using boundary objects for enhanced design perspectives and insights: https://lnkd.in/g5FDM5Fr
More books and inspiration: https://lnkd.in/eCskR5yE
So great to attend the launch for Designing Tomorrow last night, with Martin Tomitsch and Steve Baty talking through their experience of writing the book, reading excerpts and answering questions.
"Designing Tomorrow draws on global trends, academic research, and case studies to explore how designers and decision-makers can leverage strategic design tactics to drive positive change in organisations."
At the end of every chapter there are practical suggestions on how to investigate ways to change our own approach to design in little ways that can build to big impact.
Read more about it, or buy a copy here: https://lnkd.in/gU8uFjkN
#book#pdf#design
Driving Design II is the sixth of seven publications from the Distributed Design Platform. Established in 2017 and co-funded by the European Union, the Distributed Design Platform brings together Fab Labs, Makerspaces, cultural organizations, universities, and design centers from around the globe.
This book is a testament to the potential of design to address the pressing challenges of our time. Join us as we venture into the realms of collaborative experimentation, where designers become agents of change, translating methods across different contexts and sectors. We invite you to explore an alternative present that is not confined to the status quo, but seeing design as a driving force behind systemic transformation.
In a world characterized by rapid technological advancements, shifting global landscapes, and the urgent need for alternative, meaningful, regenerative solutions, design plays a pivotal role in shaping our future. Driving Design II, presented by the Distributed Design Platform, embarks on a journey through the transformative power of design in the contemporary era.
This book is not merely a collection of theories and principles, it is a dynamic exploration of design’s capacity to drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and navigate the complexities of our interconnected world. Through the lens of the Distributed Design Platform, we delve into the multifaceted aspects of design that extend far beyond the creation of physical artifacts. As our societies evolve, so must our approach to design. We advocate for a paradigm shift, challenging conventional norms and embracing a postcolonial and post-anthropocene perspective. We navigate the intricacies of design education, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from outdated systems to empower a new generation of designers capable of shaping policy-making processes.
Transition Designer I Critical Designer I Systems Thinker
The much-awaited "Driving Design II" book by Distributed Design platform has been published, and I'm honoured to be a part of it! 📚✨
In the publisher's own words, "This book is not merely a collection of theories and principles, it is a dynamic exploration of design’s capacity to drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and navigate the complexities of our interconnected world."
With the collective contributions of all involved, we extend an invitation to view design as a catalyst for systemic transformation; and explore alternative presents that are not confined to the status quo.
To my fellow creatives, I encourage you to grab a copy of "Driving Design II" and dive deep into the diverse perspectives featured within its pages!
You can find my project Intercommunal Collaborations under the section "Living with worlds: Ecologies of practice and kinship," where I delve into the participatory process of designing the critical tool, elaborate upon the impact it currently creates with the workshops, and reflect on the global-local relationship of the overall initiative!
https://lnkd.in/dgcTnDjz#DrivingDesign#Creativity#Collaboration#DistributedDesign#Pluriverse#DisruptDevelopment#CriticalDesign
The much-awaited "Driving Design II" book by Distributed Design platform has been published, and I'm honoured to be a part of it! 📚✨
In the publisher's own words, "This book is not merely a collection of theories and principles, it is a dynamic exploration of design’s capacity to drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and navigate the complexities of our interconnected world."
With the collective contributions of all involved, we extend an invitation to view design as a catalyst for systemic transformation; and explore alternative presents that are not confined to the status quo.
To my fellow creatives, I encourage you to grab a copy of "Driving Design II" and dive deep into the diverse perspectives featured within its pages!
You can find my project Intercommunal Collaborations under the section "Living with worlds: Ecologies of practice and kinship," where I delve into the participatory process of designing the critical tool, elaborate upon the impact it currently creates with the workshops, and reflect on the global-local relationship of the overall initiative!
https://lnkd.in/dgcTnDjz#DrivingDesign#Creativity#Collaboration#DistributedDesign#Pluriverse#DisruptDevelopment#CriticalDesign
Learnt new research methods that are very effective today, and i think are also great for conducting heuristic evaluation. An example is the 5E’s. I won’t bore anyone, if you are interested, I recommend you check this course out.
Just finished "Learning Design Research" by Peni Acayo, and Andy Schwanbeck! Check it out: https://lnkd.in/ecKP4NQG#designresearch.
“When we train designers we try to give them a grounding in business principles – but do businesspeople spend enough time learning from designers?” 💡
That’s how Dr Emma Murphy FRSA kicks off her 2-minute briefing below.
Emma has a background in research, as a lecturer in higher education, and as a strategic design consultant.
She’s found that designers are often more business savvy and practically-minded than they’re given credit for.
Which is why she thinks businesspeople ought to spend more time listening to them.
#HigherEducation#DesignEducation#design
Always an advocate for the value design can bring to business. Here’s a 2-minute briefing I wrote for the SPARCK journal.
#design#designthinking#business
“When we train designers we try to give them a grounding in business principles – but do businesspeople spend enough time learning from designers?” 💡
That’s how Dr Emma Murphy FRSA kicks off her 2-minute briefing below.
Emma has a background in research, as a lecturer in higher education, and as a strategic design consultant.
She’s found that designers are often more business savvy and practically-minded than they’re given credit for.
Which is why she thinks businesspeople ought to spend more time listening to them.
#HigherEducation#DesignEducation#design
