Expanding the Frontiers of Design: Critical Perspectives

Design Thinking, a method used in design business and management, has changed the landscape of contemporary design, with most design teams now consisting of a mix of designers and other professionals. This book explores Design Thinking from theoretical, practical, and pedagogical perspectives and offers a critical analysis of the design process. It is ideal for designers and design academics of all disciplines wishing to strengthen and innovate their practice, as well as industry leaders who seek to consolidate their business strategies and evolve their work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Design Thinking, a widely adopted approach within the design industry and management, has undergone a significant transformation that has reshaped the contemporary design landscape. In the past, non-designers were occasionally enlisted as external consultants on an ad-hoc basis to foster creativity and innovation within design teams. However, the landscape has evolved significantly, with most design teams now comprising a diverse mix of designers and other professionals. The impact of this development on the design landscape in recent years remains largely unexplored and requires thorough investigation and analysis of its various influences.

To address this gap, this book presents an edited collection of selected papers from the 13th Design Thinking Research Symposium (DTRS13). The symposium aimed to explore Design Thinking from theoretical, practical, and pedagogical perspectives, as well as critically analyze the design process. The book is organized into five parts:

Part 1: Thinking about Design
In this section, the authors delve into the fundamental aspects of design thinking, including its origins, principles, and practices. They explore how design thinking can be applied to various domains and industries, and discuss the challenges and opportunities it presents.

Part 2: Design Thinking in the Studio
The authors examine the role of design thinking in the studio environment, highlighting the importance of collaboration, experimentation, and user-centered design. They explore the tools and techniques used in design thinking, such as brainstorming, prototyping, and user testing, and discuss their effectiveness in generating innovative solutions.

Part 3: Design Thinking in Practice and Professional Training
The authors explore the practical application of design thinking in real-world scenarios, including product development, service design, and organizational transformation. They discuss the challenges and strategies involved in integrating design thinking into professional practice, and provide insights into the development of design thinking skills and competencies.

Part 4: Design Teams of Diverse Backgrounds, Interdisciplinary Projects
The authors examine the benefits and challenges of working in diverse design teams, including teams composed of designers from different disciplines and backgrounds. They discuss the importance of cross-functional collaboration and the development of effective communication and collaboration skills.

Part 5: Design and Nature; Visual Representation
The authors explore the relationship between design and nature, and the role of visual representation in communicating design ideas. They discuss the use of natural elements, colors, and shapes in design, and the impact of visual communication on user experience and perception.

Providing a comprehensive source for new perspectives on design and Design Thinking, Expanding the Frontiers of Design is an invaluable resource for designers and design academics across all disciplines. It offers valuable insights and strategies for strengthening and innovating design practice, as well as for industry leaders seeking to consolidate their business strategies and evolve their work.

In conclusion, Design Thinking has revolutionized the design industry by fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration among designers and other professionals. This book serves as a valuable contribution to the field, offering a comprehensive exploration of Design Thinking from theoretical, practical, and pedagogical perspectives. By expanding the frontiers of design, it empowers designers and design academics to strengthen and innovate their practice, while also providing industry leaders with the tools and strategies needed to consolidate their business strategies and evolve their work.

Weight: 1082g
Dimension: 180 x 254 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367772000