Human-Centred Design, Engineering Design, Design- Led Innovation, Design Paradigm, Design Resources

Abstract

In this paper in support of a keynote presentation at MIDI 2013, I compare three major design paradigms and their commitments to ‘centric’ design activities through analyses of their Abstract Design Situations, which differ in their commitment to making and co-ordinating various types of design choices. Combining existing design paradigms provides new post-centric opportunities for design that are Balanced, Integrative and Generous (BIG). To realise these opportunities in design work in specific settings, we need to provide support via re-usable resources, and guidance on development and use of local resources to realise a balanced range of integrated functions. Abstract Design Situations and Resource Functions are core concepts within the Working to Choose (W2C) framework, a systematic conceptual structure that supports analysis, assessment and improvement of design work.