This extended abstract (here) critically examines the use of the terms “rigorous” and “soft” in the context of engineering modeling. Common engineering usage of the terms is contrasted with Toulmin’s notion of “reasonableness” and Schoen’s notion of “reflective practice.” The abstract continues by considering an economic model of models in engineering, suggesting that overly “rigorous” engineering practice may box itself into being unable to afford the models it values, thereby presenting a conundrum for the practice and teaching engineering that demands relaxation.
Traditional product design cycle places user input on late stages of product development. User centered design places user input earlier on the design cycle. However, to really fulfill the needs of the consumer, the user input has to be placed in the very beginning of the development, right in the design brief stage. This is one of the principles of the Empathic Design Approach.
The material landscape is everything that we surround ourselves with, from the products that we purchase and place in our home to the products that are purchased for us that we have to work with. This video talks about how the material landscape connects with our personality and how functionality and super-functionality influence industrial design.
7:39 ifoundry co-director and William H. Severns Chair for Human Behavior at the University of Illinois, Raymond L. Price, speaks on his new book, "The HP ...
