Abstract
This paper outlines a theory of design thinking that posits modes of thought that collaborate to achieve intentional goals regarding problematic situations. The intent is to provide a model for design thinking that can be computationally supported and applied in practice and to provide an operational basis for research on the use of each mode during design. The modes of thought are described and outlined; concepts of intentional frame and sub-modes are introduced; an example of modal thinking in design is presented, and a computational structure to model and support modal thinking is suggested.
Keywords
cognition and design, design cognition, theory of design, knowledge construction, philosophy and theory of design
Citation
Burnette, C. (2006) A Theory of Modal Thinking in Design, in Friedman, K., Love, T., Côrte-Real, E. and Rust, C. (eds.), Wonderground - DRS International Conference 2006, 1-4 November, Lisbon, Portugal. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2006/researchpapers/106
A Theory of Modal Thinking in Design
This paper outlines a theory of design thinking that posits modes of thought that collaborate to achieve intentional goals regarding problematic situations. The intent is to provide a model for design thinking that can be computationally supported and applied in practice and to provide an operational basis for research on the use of each mode during design. The modes of thought are described and outlined; concepts of intentional frame and sub-modes are introduced; an example of modal thinking in design is presented, and a computational structure to model and support modal thinking is suggested.