About the book
A new approach to theory development for practice-driven research, proposing that theory is something made in and through design.
Tendencies toward “academization” of traditionally practice-based fields have forced design to articulate itself as an academic discipline, in theoretical terms. In this book, Johan Redström offers a new approach to theory development in design research–one that is driven by practice, experimentation, and making. Redström does not theorize from the outside, but explores the idea that, just as design research engages in the making of many different kinds of things, theory might well be one of those things it is making.
Redström proposes that we consider theory not as stable and constant but as something unfolding—something acted as much as articulated, inherently fluid and transitional. Redström describes three ways in which theory, in particular formulating basic definitions, is made through design: the use of combinations of fluid terms to articulate issues; the definition of more complex concepts through practice; and combining sets of definitions made through design into “programs.” These are the building blocks for creating conceptual structures to support design.
Design seems to thrive on the complexities arising from dichotomies: form and function, freedom and method, art and science. With his idea of transitional theory, Redström departs from the traditional academic imperative to pick a side—theory or practice, art or science. Doing so, he opens up something like a design space for theory development within design research.
Editions of Making Design Theory
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780262036658
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262341837
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262341844
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262341851
Read an Excerpt
A new approach to theory development for practice-driven research, proposing that theory is something made in and through design.
Tendencies toward “academization” of traditionally practice-based fields have forced design to articulate itself as an academic discipline, in theoretical terms. In this book, Johan Redström offers a new approach to theory development in design research–one that is driven by practice, experimentation, and making. Redström does not theorize from the outside, but explores the idea that, just as design research engages in the making of many different kinds of things, theory might well be one of those things it is making.
Redström proposes that we consider theory not as stable and constant but as something unfolding—something acted as much as articulated, inherently fluid and transitional. Redström describes three ways in which theory, in particular formulating basic definitions, is made through design: the use of combinations of fluid terms to articulate issues; the definition of more complex concepts through practice; and combining sets of definitions made through design into “programs.” These are the building blocks for creating conceptual structures to support design.
Design seems to thrive on the complexities arising from dichotomies: form and function, freedom and method, art and science. With his idea of transitional theory, Redström departs from the traditional academic imperative to pick a side—theory or practice, art or science. Doing so, he opens up something like a design space for theory development within design research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Making Design Theory about?
A new approach to theory development for practice-driven research, proposing that theory is something made in and through design.
Tendencies toward “academization” of traditionally practice-based fields have forced design to articulate itself as an academic discipline, in theoretical terms. In this book, Johan Redström offers a new approach to theory development in design research–one that is driven by practice, experimentation, and making. Redström does not theorize from the outside, but explores the idea that, just as design research engages in the making of many different kinds of things, theory might well be one of those things it is making.
Redström proposes that we consider theory not as stable and constant but as something unfolding—something acted as much as articulated, inherently fluid and transitional. Redström describes three ways in which theory, in particular formulating basic definitions, is made through design: the use of combinations of fluid terms to articulate issues; the definition of more complex concepts through practice; and combining sets of definitions made through design into “programs.” These are the building blocks for creating conceptual structures to support design.
Design seems to thrive on the complexities arising from dichotomies: form and function, freedom and method, art and science. With his idea of transitional theory, Redström departs from the traditional academic imperative to pick a side—theory or practice, art or science. Doing so, he opens up something like a design space for theory development within design research.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Making Design Theory?
The Arts > Design, Industrial and commercial arts, illustration
Where can I read a sample of Making Design Theory?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262036658
Is Making Design Theory part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Design Thinking, Design Theory
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Making Design Theory?
Johan Redstrom
Who is the Publisher of the book Making Design Theory?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Making Design Theory is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780262036658) and ebook(ISBN 9780262341837) and ebook(ISBN 9780262341844) and ebook(ISBN 9780262341851)
Where can I buy Making Design Theory online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Making Design Theory from below
Where can I buy Making Design Theory?