PRECONCEPTIONS ABOUT DESIGN AMONG DESIGNERS AND CLIENTS
DS 32: Proceedings of DESIGN 2004, the 8th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Year: 2004
Editor: Marjanovic D.
Author: Lauche, K.
Section: DESIGN RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
Page(s): 343 - 348
Abstract
Preconceptions about design influence how designers see their own role and how clients and colleagues from other disciplines perceive them. Industrial designers in particular often feel that their environment does not value their contributions. Four cases studies from collaborative projects between a university and companies were analysed by interviewing both parties. The transcripts were content analysed for each case to extract preconceptions. The results indicate a shift in the design task from products to the design of processes and the use of software. They also show the need for commercial awareness and timely responses. Potential consequences for collaborative projects and design education are discussed.
Keywords: teamwork understanding, designer's attitudes and skills, industrial design