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.
Space Utilization Patterns and Workshop Furniture – Affordances for New Product Development and Design
Florian, Rittiner; Johannes, Heck; Mirko, Meboldt; Martin, Steinert
Type:
Year:
2016
Editor:
Julie Linsey, Maria Yang, and Yukari Nagai
Author:
Series:
ICDC
ISBN:
978-1-904670-82-7
Abstract:
In this paper, we show how space utilization patterns afford ideation and prototyping
activities in the early stage of new product development and design. For this research, we
observed 18 product development teams of Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises during
standardized 2.5-days ideation workshops in a dedicated, well-equipped external ideation space,
and examined how they utilized the available spaces and artifacts, in particular workshop
furniture. We found that there occurs a constant matching between workshop activities, which
impose certain requirements on the space, and spatial patterns, which fulfil those requirements
and afford additional ones. Thoughtfully designed ideation spaces and workshop furniture are the
key enablers of this matching process and turn space into a valuable innovation tool.
activities in the early stage of new product development and design. For this research, we
observed 18 product development teams of Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises during
standardized 2.5-days ideation workshops in a dedicated, well-equipped external ideation space,
and examined how they utilized the available spaces and artifacts, in particular workshop
furniture. We found that there occurs a constant matching between workshop activities, which
impose certain requirements on the space, and spatial patterns, which fulfil those requirements
and afford additional ones. Thoughtfully designed ideation spaces and workshop furniture are the
key enablers of this matching process and turn space into a valuable innovation tool.
Keywords:
