design conversations

Definitions and design

Definitions cut off conversations. Viable conversations about what design can be and what we desire it to be ought to be nurtured and sustained. This particular article draws from narrowed assumptions of a particular tradition of design and is not inclusive of the broad diversity of approaches to understanding and practicing design spread across communities of interest — which would inform a richer exchange of ideas about design and designing.

https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/02/22/1068297/design-definition-needs-change/

Design is a mystery — an indeterminate mystery. The questions to be posed are what does anyone mean when they use the term 'design' and why? What do they desire this term to mean? That will allow generable dialogues to develop thus advancing our shared understanding and appreciation for design and design practices.

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Design, Wicked Problems & Throwness

Horst Rittel is one of the seminal residents in my 'Berkeley Bubble'. Recently a friend and colleague sent me an article about ‘double-wickedproblems’ . I have become ever more aware of the increasing number of references to ‘wicked problems’ in all forms of media that seem to have missed Rittel’s deeper insights . This brought up the concern I have about the use and miss-use of the term ‘wicked problem’. The term ‘wicked problem’, first introduced by Rittel in West Churchman’s seminars at Berkeley, was in reference to his conceptualization of the impossible challenge of dealing with significant social issues using traditional, rational, ‘problem solving’ methods. In most cases what are miss-diangnosed as ‘wicked problems’ are actually complex or complicated problems that can be simplified or broken into smaller 'tame' problems allowing for a straight forward 'problem solving' approach to be taken. This approach is believed by many to be capable...

educational trends

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Critical Systems Thinking

Michal C Jackson is a leading scholar in systems thinking, particularly Critical Systems Thinking . This video is highly recommended for those who have a serious interest in systems thinking. Critical Systems Thinking Michael C Jackson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyOUlTmwel8

Accidental Vagrant

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