Abstract
This paper explores an integral relationship between industrial design, advanced technologies, science, economy, and the environment to realize a logical trajectory for the future of product design. Through an investigation of current literature, key aspects and critical factors of interdisciplinary collaborative work are explored. By realizing the benefits and obstacles, this paper suggests a framework in which scientists, engineers, and designers can work together successfully to create innovative solutions for product design. The paper discusses the possibilities of material synthesis through the scientific field of biomimetics. It also suggests that the Industrial designer’s role must evolve into a position of project facilitator and communicator. To conclude, this paper mentions technologies utilized currently in this fashion and ideas are proposed to further guide this framework.
Keywords
Synthetic Biology, Interdisciplinary Design, Cross-Functional Teams, Biomimetics, Industrial Design, Product Design, Advanced Technology, Sustainability
Citation
Wehrspann, P., and Frankel, L. (2010) Interdisciplinary Design: The Need for Collaboration to Foster Technological Innovation to Create Competitive and Sustainable Products., in Durling, D., Bousbaci, R., Chen, L, Gauthier, P., Poldma, T., Roworth-Stokes, S. and Stolterman, E (eds.), Design and Complexity - DRS International Conference 2010, 7-9 July, Montreal, Canada. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2010/researchpapers/127
Interdisciplinary Design: The Need for Collaboration to Foster Technological Innovation to Create Competitive and Sustainable Products.
This paper explores an integral relationship between industrial design, advanced technologies, science, economy, and the environment to realize a logical trajectory for the future of product design. Through an investigation of current literature, key aspects and critical factors of interdisciplinary collaborative work are explored. By realizing the benefits and obstacles, this paper suggests a framework in which scientists, engineers, and designers can work together successfully to create innovative solutions for product design. The paper discusses the possibilities of material synthesis through the scientific field of biomimetics. It also suggests that the Industrial designer’s role must evolve into a position of project facilitator and communicator. To conclude, this paper mentions technologies utilized currently in this fashion and ideas are proposed to further guide this framework.