TY - GEN
T1 - A systematic approach of design theories using generativeness and robustness
AU - Hatchuel, Armand
AU - Le Masson, Pascal
AU - Reich, Yoram
AU - Weil, Benoit
PY - 2011
Y1 - 2011
N2 - In this paper we build a systematic comparison of several formal design theories: General Design Theory, Axiomatic Design, Coupled Design Process, Infused Design and C-K theory. Each theory offers principles as well as mathematical assumptions and establishes propositions that we analyze through two main criteria: i) their generativeness, i.e. their ability to produce design proposals that are different from existing solutions and design standards; ii) their robustness, i.e. their ability to produce designs that resist variations of context. Using such framework, and focusing on the evolution of the mathematical assumptions of each theory, it can be shown that the development of design theories does not reflect radically different point of views about design. Instead, there is an evolution towards more generality and less dependency on predefined objects. They form altogether a consistent body of knowledge that has aimed to increase the generativeness of design without losing its robustness. Thus, Design science can be seen as the science of "generativity". The evolution of design theories is illustrated by applying each of them to the same brief: the design of a new camping chair.
AB - In this paper we build a systematic comparison of several formal design theories: General Design Theory, Axiomatic Design, Coupled Design Process, Infused Design and C-K theory. Each theory offers principles as well as mathematical assumptions and establishes propositions that we analyze through two main criteria: i) their generativeness, i.e. their ability to produce design proposals that are different from existing solutions and design standards; ii) their robustness, i.e. their ability to produce designs that resist variations of context. Using such framework, and focusing on the evolution of the mathematical assumptions of each theory, it can be shown that the development of design theories does not reflect radically different point of views about design. Instead, there is an evolution towards more generality and less dependency on predefined objects. They form altogether a consistent body of knowledge that has aimed to increase the generativeness of design without losing its robustness. Thus, Design science can be seen as the science of "generativity". The evolution of design theories is illustrated by applying each of them to the same brief: the design of a new camping chair.
KW - Comparative methodology
KW - Design theory
KW - Generativeness
KW - Robustness
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84858858536&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - ???researchoutput.researchoutputtypes.contributiontobookanthology.conference???
AN - SCOPUS:84858858536
SN - 9781904670223
T3 - ICED 11 - 18th International Conference on Engineering Design - Impacting Society Through Engineering Design
SP - 87
EP - 97
BT - ICED 11 - 18th International Conference on Engineering Design - Impacting Society Through Engineering Design
T2 - 18th International Conference on Engineering Design, ICED 11
Y2 - 15 August 2011 through 18 August 2011
ER -