“What Do You Mean?” The State of Design ‘Definitions’ Within the Discipline and Beyond

Design Research Society Conference 2022 – Bilbao

Thursday 30th of June, Bizkaia Aretoa, Room Elhuyar, 17:00 – 18:30 CEST

Design-related ‘definitions’ could be ambiguous to the point of contention. Could this vagueness be a barrier to finding, sharing and building knowledge within the discipline? Outside the discipline, could this vagueness compromise the value, reach and impact of design? But as a creative discipline, would ‘over-definition’ not be damaging? What should be the way forward?

In this conversation, we explore the current state of design ‘definitions’ from the perspective of rigour, evidence and impact – both within the discipline and beyond it. We discuss the implications for design research, practice and policy. And we ask how the current state of design ‘definitions’ should transition and evolve to ensure the advancement and maturity of design as a discipline.

Link to Miro Board: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVOrqGEgw=/?share_link_id=609896254333