TIN TIN, TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPS AND WHISKEY: THE 'CULTURAL CAPITAL' OF DESIGN STUDENTS
DS 32: Proceedings of DESIGN 2004, the 8th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Year: 2004
Editor: Marjanovic D.
Author: Strickfaden, M.
Section: HUMAN BEHAVIOUR IN DESIGN WORKSHOP
Page(s): 1493 - 1502
Abstract
Each individual inherently gathers and retains cultural information throughout their lives. This can be utilized as inspiration during the design process and even becomes embedded in designed artefacts. The value and meaning of cultural information in the design process is revealed by highlighting one case study that uses ethnographically oriented research techniques. ‘Cultural capital’ in design is investigated through the explicitly taught information and cultural references contributed by industrial design students and tutors at a university in the UK. The research findings are reported both quantitatively and qualitatively, and provide interesting and surprising snapshots into how cultural forces form and transform design.
Keywords: design culture, design education, design influence, experiental learning