norman2003.pdf (383.88 kB)
Innovation in design and technology : the polymer acoustic guitar and the case for the relegation of 'the design process'
online resource
posted on 2007-05-23, 13:26 authored by Eddie NormanInnovation and creativity are key aspects of design and
technological activity. The development of the polymer
acoustic guitar at Loughborough University has been
recognised as a highly innovative project having received
three innovation awards from major bodies. This paper
describes three key aspects of the development, in particular
the capability to imagine future possibilities, the role of
knowledge and appropriate prototyping. These aspects lie at
the heart of the innovation, although, of course, the whole
activity was supported by key design skills, such as drawing
and CAD. Some aspects of design epistemology (ways of
knowing that facilitate designing) are discussed using
evidence from this project, for example, the roles of
‘knowing that’ and ‘knowing how’ and the supposed
tension between ‘craft skills’ and ‘modern technology’. The
importance of fitness for purpose when prototyping is
emphasised and the link to the problems associated with
product outcomes and innovation noted. A model of design
and technological activity is discussed which emphasises the
role of knowledge in realising design possibilities. This
model was first presented at DATA’s Millennium
Conference (Norman 2000) and is a modification of one
discussed by Roberts (1992). It incorporates the idea of
technology for design as the summation of knowledge, skills
and values (Norman, 1998) and provides an alternative
way of thinking about design and technological activity. It
is argued that existing ideas surrounding ‘the design
process’, as represented by a series of stages derived from
systems analysis, are a significant stumbling block to
promoting innovation.
History
School
- Design
Research Unit
- D&T Association Conference Series
Publisher
© DATAPublication date
2003Notes
This is a conference paperLanguage
- en