Radical Innovation by Theoretical Abstraction – A Challenge for The User-centred Designer. (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wahlström, Mikael; Karvonen, Hannu; Norros, Leena; Jokinen, Jussi; Koskinen, Hanna
• Is Part Of: Design journal. Volume 19:Number 6(2016)
• Page Start: 857
• Page End: 877
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: framing -- design theory -- design knowledge -- case study -- social theory; Design -- Periodicals; 745.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14606925.2016.1216210
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-3062

Abstract

Abstract: It is generally accepted that scientific disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology contribute beneficially to design by providing understanding of users' needs, experiences, and desires. Arguably, however, these disciplines have more to contribute, because they include theories and models that can be applied as design frames and principles. More specifically, goal-setting, visualization, thematization, and conceptual reconfiguration are general mechanisms through which theories translate into design contributions. Actualizing radical design solutions via these mechanisms is discussed: theories provide appropriate means of abstraction, which allows 'distance' from user data; departure from the existing design and user paradigms toward 'what has not yet been imagined' is thereby possible. These suggestions draw from and are exemplified by a ship bridge design case.