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A new approach to theory development for practice-driven research, proposing that theory is something made in and through design. Tendencies toward “academization” of traditionally practice-based fields have forced design to articulate itself as an academic discipline, in theoretical terms. In this book, Johan Redström offers a new approach to theory development in design research–one that is driven by practice, experimentation, and making. Redström does not theorize from the outside, but explores the idea that, just as design research engages in the making of many different kinds of things, theory might well be one of those things it is making. Redström proposes that we consider th...
Many of the things we now live with do not take a purely physical form. Objects such as smart phones, laptops and wearable fitness trackers are different from our things of the past. These new digital forms are networked, dynamic and contextually configured. They can be changeable and unpredictable, even inscrutable when it comes to understanding what they actually do and whom they really serve. In Changing Things, Johan Redstrom and Heather Wiltse address critical questions that have assumed a fresh urgency in the context of these rapidly-developing forms. Drawing on critical traditions from a range of disciplines that have been used to understand the nature of things, they develop a new vo...
Human Computer Interaction (HCI), user interface design en usability.
This is a critical time in design. Concepts and practices of design are changing in response to historical developments in the modes of industrial design production and consumption. Indeed, the imperative of more sustainable development requires profound reconsideration of design today. Theoretical foundations and professional definitions are at stake, with consequences for institutions such as museums and universities as well as for future practitioners. This is "critical" on many levels, from the urgent need to address societal and environmental issues to the reflexivity required to think and do design differently.
Riffing on the techie term 'wayfinding', which designers and manufacturers use when talking about the function of signs and signage systems as they are used by the viewer, this book seeks to find a more precise visual language for what sign designers actually do, which is to show the way. Unfortunately, as Mollerup points out, many designers never master the art of wayshowing themselves. For wayshowing relates to wayfinding as writing relates to reading and as talking relates to hearing - The purpose of wayshowing is to facilitate wayfinding. In this accessible but invigorating investigation, Mollerup examines international sign systems and architectural landmarks in detail with his trademark candor and good humor. His analysis is at once pithy, scholarly, and historical.
Multisensory perception is emerging as an important factor in shaping current lifestyles. Therefore, computer scientists, engineers, and technology experts are acknowledging the comparative power existing beyond visual explanations. Perceptions of Knowledge Visualization: Explaining Concepts through Meaningful Images discusses issues related to visualization of scientific concepts, picturing processes and products, as well as the role of computing in the advancement of visual literacy skills. By connecting theory with practice, this book gives researchers, computer scientists, and academics an active experience which enhances the perception and the role of computer graphics.
This book investigates two areas in which the appreciation of sonic creativity can be easily acquired across diverse cultures, ages and interests: the music of sounds – making music with any sounds, part of today’s sampling culture and the music of things – and the creation of instruments using existent materials (another type of sampling?) involving the notion of ‘instrument as composition’ as part of today’s DIY (or DIT, do it together) culture. The book offers broad discussions regarding the music of things (written by John Richards) followed by the music of sounds (written by Leigh Landy). These chapters are followed by a focus on the workshop demonstrating the collaborative ...
The perspectives and techniques used in human-computer interaction design, practice and research are broadening. This book looks at emerging approaches which are likely to contribute to the discipline in near future. The emphasis is on the social, cognitive, emotional, creative and active dimensions of the human actor. The underlying idea is that human character rather than technology should determine the nature of interaction. The concept of "interaction design" covers this broader range of concerns relevant to enabling quality design. Each chapter emphasizes alternative perspectives on interaction and new concepts to help researchers and practitioners relate to alternative design approaches and opportunities. Many of these new elements can be found to be successful and established in other fields, such as information systems development and industrial design. This volume will be of considerable value to those seeking innovative and developing perspectives upon both designing and ensuring effective interaction between humans and technology.
Are there differences between design practice and the practice of design research? What alliances between text and artefact are possible in the search for new knowledge? How does design research translate and transform theories and methods from other disciplines? Is design research moving towards becoming a formal discipline and, if so, would this really be an advantage? 16 international authors address these four different aspects in the form of personal statements, and 19 researchers share their reflections based on their experience of having carried out a practice-based PhD. This book investigates the status quo of things in the multi-faceted and constantly evolving field of design research, and outlines the elementary issues faced by researchers. The compendium is a survey of a fast-growing field and, at the same time, provides pointers for personal orientation. With statements from: Uta Brandes, Rachel Cooper, Clive Dilnot, Michael Erlhoff, Alain Findeli, Bill Gaver, Ranulph Glanville, Matthias Held, Wolfgang Jonas, Klaus Krippendorff, Claudia Mareis, Mike Press, Elizabeth B.-N. Sanders, Arne Scheuermann, Cameron Tonkinwise, Brigitte Wolf
This open access book presents a selection of the best contributions to the Digital Cities 9 Workshop held in Limerick in 2015, combining a number of the latest academic insights into new collaborative modes of city making that are firmly rooted in empirical findings about the actual practices of citizens, designers and policy makers. It explores the affordances of new media technologies for empowering citizens in the process of city making, relating examples of bottom-up or participatory practices to reflections about the changing roles of professional practitioners in the processes, as well as issues of governance and institutional policymaking.