Abstract
Design has a key role in shaping humans. In the design process, an understanding of the complex human and its often conflicting relations could be fruitful to improve the design. Ideas from Philosophy of Technology could offer a different perspective on product design. In this paper it will be explored how a philosophical perspective can support the design process in case of a conflict of interest using the ‘research-through- design’ method with a case study of clubfeet treatment compliance. The comfort and usability of the treatment could be improved using a brace instead of a cast. However, this change raises two conflicts of interest between and within parents, child and medical experts. Two philosophical theories were used, the Mediation Theory and the Product Impact Tool, to analyse the problem and design solutions. The results are, finally, discussed in light of the general design process. This philosophical perspective in the design process enabled the designer to reveal the core problem and design solutions that go beyond a technical fix.
Keywords
philosophy of technology; product impact tool; design methodology; treatment compliance
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2018.231
Citation
van Belle, J., Giesberts, B., and Eggink, W. (2018) The Use of Philosophical Theories in Design: AResearch-Through-Design Case of Treatment Compliance, in Storni, C., Leahy, K., McMahon, M., Lloyd, P. and Bohemia, E. (eds.), Design as a catalyst for change - DRS International Conference 2018, 25-28 June, Limerick, Ireland. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2018.231
Creative Commons License
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The Use of Philosophical Theories in Design: AResearch-Through-Design Case of Treatment Compliance
Design has a key role in shaping humans. In the design process, an understanding of the complex human and its often conflicting relations could be fruitful to improve the design. Ideas from Philosophy of Technology could offer a different perspective on product design. In this paper it will be explored how a philosophical perspective can support the design process in case of a conflict of interest using the ‘research-through- design’ method with a case study of clubfeet treatment compliance. The comfort and usability of the treatment could be improved using a brace instead of a cast. However, this change raises two conflicts of interest between and within parents, child and medical experts. Two philosophical theories were used, the Mediation Theory and the Product Impact Tool, to analyse the problem and design solutions. The results are, finally, discussed in light of the general design process. This philosophical perspective in the design process enabled the designer to reveal the core problem and design solutions that go beyond a technical fix.