Conference Presentations by Stuart English
Papers by Stuart English
This paper explores the use of multiple perspective problem framing (English 2008) as a tool to r... more This paper explores the use of multiple perspective problem framing (English 2008) as a tool to reveal hidden value and commercial opportunity for business. Creative thinking involves the interrelationship of parameters held open and fluid within the cognitive span of the creative mind. The recognition of new associations can create new value that can lead to innovation in designed products, intellectual property and business strategy. The 'Ideas-lab' process is based on the proposition that a company's capacity for innovation is dependent on the way the business is able to see its problems and opportunities. In this process the attributes of a company and the experience of the researchers are considered as the parameters of a design problem. It is therefore important to acknowledge the commercial experience of the project researchers, all of whom have a proven track record in helping businesses develop, exploit and protect their know how. Semi structured interviews were carried out with key individuals in 34 companies. The resulting data was assessed on a company-by-company basis through a process of multiple perspective problem framing, enabling key nodes, patterns and relationships to be identified and explored. A 'Cornerstones of Innovation' report was prepared to inform each company of the observations made by the researchers. The paper describes the methods adopted and summarises the feedback from participating companies. Case studies are highlighted to demonstrate ways in which the process influenced the actions of particular businesses, and the commercial outcomes that resulted. Finally the researchers reflect on the structure of the Ideas-lab process.
Design literature regards mindfulness as a new competency that should be taught explicitly in des... more Design literature regards mindfulness as a new competency that should be taught explicitly in design educational settings. This is associated to points of view that consider such skills relevant to ethics, uncertainty, and to evolving multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder co-creative applications of design thinking. This document is part of a developing PhD programme that aims to describe and apply it explicitly to pertinent design academic situations. Extensive literature in diverse fields of research describes mindfulness in a number of ways that are said to sometimes cause misunderstanding. This conceptual paper aims to bridge mindfulness and design, and posits the concept of openness as a shared attribute within theories complementary to both. Openness, understood as receptivity to dynamic multiple perspectives, is then associated to the systems experience of interconnectedness as an alternate focus to the discussion of moral awareness in design. Furthermore, interpersonal attributes of mindfulness, relevant to the relational aspects of design, will be discussed. This analysis seeks to serve as a conceptual base to a doctoral study that explores reflective ways to make mindfulness explicit in design education.
According to Schon (1987), professional education should be centred on enhancing the practitioner... more According to Schon (1987), professional education should be centred on enhancing the practitioner's ability to reflect before taking action. This is important to the designer for two reasons. The first of these concerns real world professional situations, which are rarely clear and lack 'right answers', the successful professional requires the ability to learn by doing in order to handle complex and unpredictable problems with confidence. The second concerns the nature of the designer's relationship with design problems themselves. The designer's exploration of his/her own awareness develops in parallel with problem definition. Dorst and Cross (2001) describe this as a coevolution of problem and solution and English (2006) argues that we cannot frame the problem without including in that design space the person who designs. Thus the process of engaging with a design problem involves a journey of self-exploration for the designer who needs to be appropriately equipped for unknown terrain. A distance learning Masters programme was validated in 1999, supporting professional designers to develop as reflective practitioners. The course has run successfully for eight years with students based in Brazil,
Design principles & practices, 2007
This paper builds on English’s earlier work on value-innovation (explored in output 1). This pape... more This paper builds on English’s earlier work on value-innovation (explored in output 1). This paper however, describes both the nature of ‘design problem space’ and ‘solution space’, within dualistic and monistic philosophical frameworks. It then explores the concept of the ‘Universal’ as a tool with which to frame design parameters. Universals can help designers to optimise their creative engagement with a problem by forcing them to identify what is important and what is not. The paper deals with ‘form’ in a platonic sense i.e. ‘universal form’ that occurs as an abstract perception of mind, allowing the designer to model the particular physical form or interaction. The articulation of ‘universal form’ is explored through a number of case studies involving the co-evolution of problem and solution space. The last and most detailed of these case-studies considers the collaboration between Philips and Northumbria University and is concerned with the cognitive modelling of product personality. (Young, R. Nathan, D. Whitcombe, M. (2006) Productality – Exploring How to Create Perceived Personality in Products. Desform Conference, Eindhoven, October 26-27). Previous studies of expert designers suggest that the ability to ‘frame problems’ is ‘crucial to high level performance in creative design’. English’s research shows however, that design answers are generated as a consequence of the way we think about the problem and … Innovation occurs not by generating ideas but through our awareness of what is possible’. The paper has been accepted for publication by the peer-reviewed international Journal of Design Principles and Practices, 2008
The researchers have developed a system of value innovation modelling founded on the application ... more The researchers have developed a system of value innovation modelling founded on the application of a multiple perspective problem framing theory (English 2008). This approach has been used to map the attributes of 43 businesses in order to reveal untapped value in these organisations, as described in a previous paper (2010). The system considers both the attributes of a company and the experience of the researchers as parameters in a design problem. This paper aims to show how the process can reveal value by taking the reader through a step-by-step guide, incorporating case studies to demonstrate the relationship between concepts and the development of the researcher's awareness. An integrated mapping activity provides a clear overview of the company and describes relationships between technology, intellectual property and commercialisation. This mapping process is used to reveal patterns and disharmonies, enabling the researchers to identify gaps and make connections that can lead to new business opportunities. This paper describes the mapping process in detail and the researchers reflect on the way that insights have been revealed through their development of new perspectives on each company.
ABSTRACT According to Cross (2006), designing can be viewed as a form of intelligence so that its... more ABSTRACT According to Cross (2006), designing can be viewed as a form of intelligence so that its competences can be identified, clarified and cultivated. This paper reviews and extends existing design literature by refining the language that describes design-intelligence and the identification, clarification and cultivation of design-intelligence competences. This paper also reports on an initial study that used an Enhanced Reflective Practice Reporting Template within the context of professional practice to highlight: a) the value of improving a designer's professional inner self-awareness through reflective practice enhanced with non-analytical mental training techniques, and b) that such processes can aid access to a range of mental states helpful for coping with design uncertainty. Furthermore, the concept of 'stillness' as a competence of design-intelligence to manage the experience of the effects of design uncertainty resolution is introduced and discussed. This paper concludes that increased inner self-awareness and the ability to access mental states of stillness can help designers to become present to the possibility of transforming both themselves and the world through design. Thus enabling a fuller appreciation of the creative potential in design situations.
Design Journal, Jul 28, 2017
This paper delineates a study that aims to describe the development and measure the effects of a ... more This paper delineates a study that aims to describe the development and measure the effects of a design-relevant mindfulness device. The relational nature of design and particularly multidisciplinary collaboration, implies that designers would benefit from the development of interpersonal skills. Science suggests that one of the benefits of mindfulness is improved interpersonal skills which could lead to enhanced cooperation disposition. The mindfulness device becomes relevant to design through a process of intra-personal attuning that focuses attention on embedded values which impact awareness. The study aims to determine whether engagement with the device has significant effects on, and noteworthy correlations between aspects of mindfulness and of cooperation. Moreover, the study will generate reflective output that is expected to map designers' conscious and subconscious values. This paper also explores how developing this skill may transform a designer's relationship with tacit knowledge arising in intuitive design moments.
There is a blockage in the Circular Economy. Discarded plastic products end up in the Indian Ocea... more There is a blockage in the Circular Economy. Discarded plastic products end up in the Indian Ocean where thousands of tonnes of waste plastic is washed up on the beaches of East Africa. This creates a detrimental impact on both the marine ecosystem and the economy where the locals rely on coastal fishing, trade and tourism for their livelihoods. Plastic comes ashore in many forms and is badly degraded by the elements such that when processed locally, the quality of the recycled material cannot meet the needs of the community. The researchers worked with shoreline communities to help develop a processing method capable of giving waste plastic a valuable second life. As a demonstration of the potential of this new recycled material they constructed a traditional dhow sailing boat entirely from plastic trash collected from Kenya’s beaches and towns. During its 500 kilometre maiden voyage from Lamu in Kenya to Zanzibar in Tanzania, the researchers stopped at communities along the way to...
As Wenger (1998) postulates, communities develop around things that matter to people. But how do ... more As Wenger (1998) postulates, communities develop around things that matter to people. But how do we know what matters to those who may be outside our immediate circle? Who should we be talking to and who should be talking to us? This paper documents the evolution of an on-line learning portfolio and collaboration system for designers. Openfolio is a web-based tool for reflective design practice and portfolio development with over 3000 members representing 140 design businesses and institutions in 26 countries. The system encourages designers to reflect on their motivation, capabilities and experience by documenting portfolio evidence. It provides a searchable skills exchange forum to support the formation of communities of practice. Through this open portfolio system each learner presents a rich collection of attributes and expertise that represents their learning journey and through which they can align and engage with others. This has been supported by recent system additions that...
The paper demonstrates the need for an entrepreneurial attitude and competence in designers of to... more The paper demonstrates the need for an entrepreneurial attitude and competence in designers of today in order to ensure innovation. The paper considers evidence from four design innovation case studies to explore the relationship between design capabilities and the wider conditions necessary for innovation. All four case studies have been conducted in collaboration with commercial organisations seeking innovation, and designers and academics based in a university in the United Kingdom. First, a review of design’s capabilities is presented from the literature. Second, evidence from each case study is mapped to the UK Design Council’s popular model of design process: the double diamond. This allows findings across the four cases to be compared and discussed, considering how design’s capabilities contribute to the conditions necessary to transform design effort into innovation. Third, the role of design within the ‘define’ stage of the double diamond is articulated. The initial finding...
Design literature regards mindfulness as a new competency that should be taught explicitly in des... more Design literature regards mindfulness as a new competency that should be taught explicitly in design educational settings. This is associated to points of view that consider such skills relevant to ethics, uncertainty, and to evolving multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder co-creative applications of design thinking. This document is part of a developing PhD programme that aims to describe and apply it explicitly to pertinent design academic situations. Extensive literature in diverse fields of research describes mindfulness in a number of ways that are said to sometimes cause misunderstanding. This conceptual paper aims to bridge mindfulness and design, and posits the concept of openness as a shared attribute within theories complementary to both. Openness, understood as receptivity to dynamic multiple perspectives, is then associated to the systems experience of interconnectedness as an alternate focus to the discussion of moral awareness in design. Furthermore, interpersonal attrib...
Design Principles and Practices: An International Journal—Annual Review
This paper builds on English’s earlier work on value-innovation (explored in output 1). This pape... more This paper builds on English’s earlier work on value-innovation (explored in output 1). This paper however, describes both the nature of ‘design problem space’ and ‘solution space’, within dualistic and monistic philosophical frameworks. It then explores the concept of the ‘Universal’ as a tool with which to frame design parameters. Universals can help designers to optimise their creative engagement with a problem by forcing them to identify what is important and what is not. The paper deals with ‘form’ in a platonic sense i.e. ‘universal form’ that occurs as an abstract perception of mind, allowing the designer to model the particular physical form or interaction. The articulation of ‘universal form’ is explored through a number of case studies involving the co-evolution of problem and solution space. The last and most detailed of these case-studies considers the collaboration between Philips and Northumbria University and is concerned with the cognitive modelling of product personality. (Young, R. Nathan, D. Whitcombe, M. (2006) Productality – Exploring How to Create Perceived Personality in Products. Desform Conference, Eindhoven, October 26-27). Previous studies of expert designers suggest that the ability to ‘frame problems’ is ‘crucial to high level performance in creative design’. English’s research shows however, that design answers are generated as a consequence of the way we think about the problem and … Innovation occurs not by generating ideas but through our awareness of what is possible’. The paper has been accepted for publication by the peer-reviewed international Journal of Design Principles and Practices, 2008
This paper explores the use of multiple perspective problem framing (English 2008) as a tool to r... more This paper explores the use of multiple perspective problem framing (English 2008) as a tool to reveal hidden value and commercial opportunity for business. Creative thinking involves the interrelationship of parameters held open and fluid within the cognitive span of the creative mind. The recognition of new associations can create new value that can lead to innovation in designed products, intellectual property and business strategy. The 'Ideas-lab' process is based on the proposition that a company's capacity for innovation is dependent on the way the business is able to see its problems and opportunities. In this process the attributes of a company and the experience of the researchers are considered as the parameters of a design problem. It is therefore important to acknowledge the commercial experience of the project researchers, all of whom have a proven track record in helping businesses develop, exploit and protect their know how. Semi structured interviews were carried out with key individuals in 34 companies. The resulting data was assessed on a company-by-company basis through a process of multiple perspective problem framing, enabling key nodes, patterns and relationships to be identified and explored. A 'Cornerstones of Innovation' report was prepared to inform each company of the observations made by the researchers. The paper describes the methods adopted and summarises the feedback from participating companies. Case studies are highlighted to demonstrate ways in which the process influenced the actions of particular businesses, and the commercial outcomes that resulted. Finally the researchers reflect on the structure of the Ideas-lab process.
Uploads
Conference Presentations by Stuart English
Papers by Stuart English