February 2nd 2012, 14.00-15.00
Aalto Mediafactory
School of Art, Design & Architecture
Aalto University, Helsinki
This lecture provides an overview of a practice-based approach to design research in academia that recognizes subjective, intuitive responses, serendipity and aesthetic sensitivity as important elements of creative design, alongside more conventional, rational, objective approaches and evidence-based methods. The theoretical ideas being explored are introduced, and illustrated through propositional design examples from my own practice. These design responses are not ‘products’ – they are not so much design objects as objects about design objects. In this kind of work, design is regarded as a question-asking activity, rather than a problem-solving activity. Conclusions are drawn that attempt to identify the areas in which original contributions to knowledge emerge from such research. An approach to design for sustainability develops that recognizes the importance of localization, symbolism and spirituality in our approaches to material culture. This expands our understanding of design for sustainability through a quadruple bottom line in which Personal Meaning is recognized alongside Practical (environmental) and Social Meaning and where economic considerations are regarded as a means rather than an end.