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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.

Design tools as catalysts for shared problem framing in West African entrepreneurial contexts

Dola, Kodjo Senam (1,2); Boujut, Jean-François (1); Lecomte, Chloé (2)

Type:
Papers
DS 145: Proceedings of the DESIGN2026 19th International Design Conference
Year:
2026
Editor:
Štorga, M.; Škec, S.; Martinec, T.; Marjanović, D.; Pavković, N.
Author:
Dola, Kodjo Senam (1,2); Boujut, Jean-François (1); Lecomte, Chloé (2)
Series:
DESIGN
Institution:
1: Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, G-SCOP, France; 2: CIRAD, UMR Innovation, France
Page(s):
173-182
DOI number:
10.1017/pds.2026.10376
ISSN:
2732-527X (Online)
Abstract:
This article explores how design tools can enhance shared understanding of problems within West African entrepreneurial ecosystems, where new product development occurs amidst resource scarcity and intense market opportunitiies. The findings emphasize that design tools serve as flexible cognitive intermediaries that promote collaboration, uncover underlying assumptions, and foster new perspectives for solution development. Their value emerges through a progressive translation process, where researchers reinterpret these tools to bridge the diverse object worlds of entrepreneurs.
Keywords:
design tools, African entrepreneurship, C-K design theory, tools translation, intermediary objects
DESIGN2026 - The 19th International Design Conference
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