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Co-evolution and Contradiction: A Diamond Model of Designer-User Interaction

Author

  • Anja-Karina Pahl
  • Linda B. Newnes

Editor

  • Hans-Erik Nissen
  • Peter Bednar
  • Christine Welch

Summary, in English

This paper explores how the Engineering Design process might balance

conflicting constraints of technical product design and the social demands

of users. Building on a generic 2D map for innovation in design

from the author’s previous work, a prototype 3D Diamond Model is

presented to help structure conversations between Designers and Users

– or indeed any other group with apparently opposing aims. In theory,

the model draws on the structure of Buddhism (in particular the Mandala

of the Five Buddha Families) and managerial cybernetics (in particular

Beer’s Viable System Model and his Team Syntegrity protocol),

to establish how one’s worldview might evolve and how a common

worldview for two teams can be determined. In practise, a Facilitator or

Researcher helps Designers and Users achieve their respective aims,

and develop a common one. When a common worldview is achieved,

conversations and activities can become mutually informing, coevolving

and emotionally satisfactory at both the individual and team

levels.

Publishing year

2007

Language

English

Pages

127-202

Publication/Series

Use and Redesign in IS: Double Helix Relationships?

Document type

Book chapter

Publisher

Informing Science Press

Topic

  • Information Systems, Social aspects

Keywords

  • cybernetics
  • phenomenology
  • Buddhism
  • Innovation
  • co-evolution
  • VSM
  • Team Syntegrity

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISBN: 978-1932886054