Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
EXPLORING THE SYNTHESIS OF INFORMATION IN DESIGN PROCESSES – OPENING THE BLACK-BOX
Gumienny, Raja; Lindberg, Tilmann; Meinel, Christoph
Type:
Year:
2011
Editor:
Culley, S.J.; Hicks, B.J.; McAloone, T.C.; Howard, T.J. & Chen, W.
Author:
Series:
ICED
Section:
Design Information and Knowledge Management
Page(s):
446-455
Abstract:
Information synthesis is an important part of design processes as it ensures to integrate, organize, filter, and evaluate essential information and constraints for the design solution. However, there are various methods, conditions and characteristics of synthesis and it is surprising that little research has focused on this subject yet. In this paper, we outline different approaches to information synthesis and report on our findings from interviews with designers in educational and corporate environments. From these findings we derive a framework in which we suggest to describe the characteristics of information synthesis via the chosen design paradigm as well as ten particular research perspectives. We regard this framework as a basis to understand information synthesis in greater detail and to show possible fields of future research. Additionally, it allows deriving insights how inexperienced designers as well as people from other domains who are involved in the design process can be supported.
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