MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVE PROBLEM FRAMING. HOW DO DESIGNERS THINK ABOUT SITUATIONS TO REVEAL HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES?
Abstract
The focus of the research concerns the use of problem and opportunity framing approaches in design innovation. The work acknowledges the designer as an integral part of the design space and is based on the proposition that our capacity to innovate is dependent on the way we are able to see (perceive) problems and opportunities. The development of our awareness of design situations through flexible but deliberate ways of seeing is investigated and described as a key factor in innovation.
... The growing demand for nurses, doctors and clinical resources presents us with a difficult challenge in the coming decades. This paper demonstrates how a multiple perspective problem framing approach (English, 2010) was employed to balance factors related to patient needs, business viability, and technical feasibility to frame the key parameters for the development of a self-administered medical technology innovation that can benefit both patient empowerment and healthcare systems. ...
... However, whilst a physicianadministered intervention can be precisely controlled by trained experts in a bespoke clinical environment with relatively few variables, a home-based self-administered treatment is invariably influenced by a far greater number of factors. To understand the relationship of these factors and how they might influence a possible self-administered treatment for DR/DMO, the researchers adopted a multiple perspective problem framing method (English, 2010). ...
... This tolerance is underpinned by an ability to navigate and interpret complexity. In the case study that follows, the researchers employed a multiple perspective problem framing approach (English, 2010) to map the complexity of the design terrain relating to DR and DMO, and to identify key cornerstones that were subsequently used to frame the development of a new kind of self-administered treatment. English (2008) provided an approach to overcome the limitations inherent in framing a problem or situation from a dominant perspective. ...
Medical technologies, especially self-administered interventions, have a critical role to play in addressing health service challenges: they can reduce the need for hospital-based surgical interventions and associated risk of infection, whilst also supporting patient empowerment (Cutler, 2007; García-Lizana & Sarría-Santamera, 2007). Additionally, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the burden on the NHS has been unprecedented (Willan et al., 2020), increasing the demand on limited resource leading to long waiting lists for hospital admissions (Smith et al., 2014). This paper investigates a case study focussing on the design and ongoing development of the Noctura 400 sleep mask: a self-administered, non-invasive treatment for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO) through the usage of a low level, controlled wavelength nocturnal light source. The mask, which has been developed by PolyPhotonix Ltd, can replace the need and eliminate the risk of regular surgical interventions involving laser treatment and injections into the patient's eye. Scatter Laser Photocoagulation is associated with possible complications such as vision loss, diminished visual field and reduction in colour vision and contrast (Huamonte et al.,1976), whilst eye injections can lead to complications such as peripheral retinal tear, postoperative rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, hard exudates in the centre of the macula, and neovascular glaucoma haemorrhage (Yamamoto et al., 2003). This paper explores the application of a Multiple Perspective Problem Framing (MPPF) method, which was used to analyse the relationship of factors influencing patient behaviour alongside technological and medical parameters. This method involved a synthesis of medical research, technological innovation, human factors and functional considerations, sleep patterns and habits, product/service requirements, stakeholder networks, and change factors particularly relating to diabetes. By modelling the interrelationship of these parameters, a novel configuration of factors was identified. This unique configuration is described in the claims of a patent (granted internationally) and underpins the development of the Noctura 400 treatment. A recent study of the Noctura 400 sleep mask, from Ashford and St Peter's NHS Hospital, saw 94% of patients achieve a beneficial outcome, with 66% enjoying stabilisation of their eyesight (preventing further degeneration) and 32% experiencing measurable improvement in their eyesight. The outcome of this study may lead to DR and DMO patients being supported to manage their own treatment whilst avoiding the burden and risks of surgical interventions. The study also validates the efficacy of a new self-administered treatment paradigm that frees health services of much of the clinical and financial burden of treating DR and DMO.
... • The companies have implemented and practiced design differently. For example, one company (YMX) systematically implement the design thinking process using the double diamond (Design Council, 2015) and MPPF (English, 2010). Other companies applied design characteristics without systematic design (thinking) ...
Poor treatment adherence is an increasing challenge for healthcare, especially for chronic diseases and patient-administered treatments. This research has investigated how design thinking can improve adherence in self-administered treatment technology. The study has three main objectives. The first is to investigate the current state of adherence and its involvement in the design process. For this objective, literature about adherence theoretical frameworks, design thinking, and medical technology was reviewed. Also, in five SME case studies, interviews provided evidence of consideration of adherence during the design process. The second objective was to explore consideration of adherence at an early stage of a design process. Postgraduate students on an MA Design project were observed while applying design thinking processes to develop a medical solution. The third objective was to assess a framework though an eDelphi study that built consensus from panellists on adherence factors that influence patient adherence to a treatment technology regimen, and the importance of each factor.
A number of gaps were identified after addressing the first objective: 1) a lack of an adherence framework that considers the nature of self-administered treatment technology products, 2) There is a lack of a practical mechanism to consider adherence factors during the design and development of medical treatment technology, and 3) There is a need for a resource that can guide and help companies to consider adherence factors during the design process.
Based on the research findings, the study claims two contributions to knowledge: an adherence framework that identifies factors that affect patient-administered technology treatment adherence and their level of importance, and a design-focused adherence canvas, based on the adherence framework (1st claim), which is a practical resource that record how adherence factors are being consideration and their level of importance.
... English (2010) (English, 2010). ...
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.
... The weakness is the philosophical standpoint. The taking of a radical constructivist approach enables multiple perspectives and the ability to view the complexity from the point of view of different stakeholders (English, 2010) as seen in the schema. The connectivity of systems, radical constructivism and the schema is not yet resolved, but forms the questions for the next iteration of reflection and writing. ...
The conference general theme Research Perspectives on Creative Intersections captured the overall conference spirit. It also reflects the conference planning and organisational processes which involved the community of international scholars located in different institutions, faculties, schools and departments.
The interdisciplinary nature of the conference enabled active intersections of scholars from the fields of design, social sciences and business studies. The mingling of researchers from diverse disciplines reflects the need for interdisciplinary approaches to research complex issues related to innovation.
The intersection between emerging and established researchers was an intended aspect of the conference. The reason was that today’s PhD candidates will drive the future research. The conference succeeded by attracting significant number of PhD candidates who represented a third of the conference delegates. This provides a good indication for the future growth research related to design innovation.
Altogether, 295 authors have submitted: 140 full papers and 31 workshop proposals. These numbers indicate that a single authored research is no longer the norm. The intersection which stems from collaboration amongst researchers to undertake and disseminate research is now becoming the established practice within the design innovation research.
The 19 conference tracks, for which the papers were submitted, were organised within 7 overarching themes (see Table 1). The track facilitators ultimately shaped the overall conference scope and direction. The tracks’ topics acted as the focal points for the overall Call for Papers. Thus, our thanks you go to all the 69 tracks’ facilitators. It was them who collectively were responsible for the conference programme and we would like to thank them for their valuable services on the International Scientific Programme Committee.
Table 1 Conference Tracks
Theme 1) New Models of Innovation
Track 1a. The Interplay between Science, Technology and Design
Track 1b. Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Trends in Open Innovation
Track 1c. FROM R&D TO D&R: Challenging the Design Innovation Landscape
Track 1d. Design creating value at intersections
Track 1e. Design management transforming innovation strategy
Theme 2) Product-Service Systems
Track 2a. Capturing Value and Scalability in Product-Service System Design
Track 2b. Service Design for Business Innovation for Industry 4.0
Theme 3) Policy Making
Track 3a. Creative Intersection of Policies and Design Management
Theme 4) Intersecting Perspective
Track 4a. Changing Design Practices: How We Design, What We Design, and Who Designs?
Track 4b. Challenges and Obstacles to the Enactment of an Outside-In Perspective: The Case of Design
Track 4c. At the Intersection Social Innovation and Philosophy
Theme 5) Methods
Track 5a. Design practices of effective strategic design
Track 5b. Markets and Design: Vertical and Horizontal Product Differentiation
Track 5c. Foresight by Design: Dealing with uncertainty in Design Innovation
Track 5d. Contemporary Brand Design
Theme 6) Capabilities
Track 6a. Building New Capabilities in an Organization: A research methodology perspective
Track 6b. Exploring Design Management Learning: Innovate with 'user' oriented design and KM perspectives
Track 6c. Design teams in the pursuit of innovation
Track 6d. Designing the Designers: Future of Design Education
Theme 7) Foundations
Track 7a. Pioneering Design Thinkers
We would like to also thank the over 150 expert reviewers who provided their valuable time to provide critical peer feedback. Their service on the International Board of Reviewers was invaluable as the good quality peer reviews provided a vital contribution to this international conference. Each reviewer scored papers on a scale of 0 to 10 and provided critical review comments.
Most papers were reviewed by two people, though some had three or even four reviewers, and in a very small number of cases only one review was submitted. Total number of submitted full papers was 140. After the blind peer review process 66 papers (47%) were accepted and 49 (35%) papers were provisionally accepted as these needed major revisions, and 25 (19%) papers were rejected.
In making the final decisions about papers, the Review Committee first looked at all papers where the difference of opinion between reviewers was 4 points or greater and moderated the scores if necessary. The Review Committee then discussed all papers that were just under the general level of acceptance to determine outcomes, before finally looking at any exceptions.
At the end of the review process 103 (73%) paper submissions were accepted for presentations of which 95 (68%) were included in the proceedings and 38 (27%) papers were rejected. Seven accepted papers were presented at the conference as research in progress and they were not included in the proceedings.
The workshops provided another intersection on how delegates and workshop facilitators interacted. Altogether, 31 workshop proposals were submitted and 17 (54%) workshops were accepted by the International Workshop Organising Committee. We would like to thank the International Workshop Organising Committee members: Katinka Bergema, Nuša Fain, Oriana Haselwanter, Sylvia Xihui Liu, Ida Telalbasic and Sharon Prendeville for providing their expertise.
We would like to thank both keynote speakers, Professor Jeanne Liedtka and Mr Richard Kelly, who generously gave their time to share their insights with the conference delegates. Their generosity allowed us to offer bursaries to five emerging researchers to attend the conference. The bursar recipients were selected from close to 40 applicants. The number of applicants indicates the need to setup funding schemes to allow emerging researchers to attend international events such as this conference.
The PhD Seminar event which took place a day prior to the conference was attended by over 100 delegates. The PhD Seminar was chaired by Dr Sylvia Xihui Liu and Professor Jun Cai. Initially 40 submissions were received of which 36 were presented at the event. The event culminated with a debate organised by the PhD students who were inspired by the “Open Letter to the Design Community: Stand Up for Democracy” by Manzini and Margolin (2017). We are grateful to the debate organisers.
The location of the conference in the Jockey Club Innovation Tower designed by Zaha Hadid at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University has also provided delegates with visible cultural intersections of a rapidly transitioning major interconnected global city from one political sphere of influence into another. The conference would not have happened without the solid work provided by the local organising team which was led by Professor Cees de Bont and consisted of: Ms Rennie Kan who took up the role of the fixer; Mr Pierre Tam who in his role as the Conference Secretary tirelessly worked on satisfying at many times conflicting requirement; Ms Flora Chang who checked and checked again all delegates registrations; Mr Rio Chan wizard of IT and Mr Jason Liu who provided the visual direction for the conference.
The Design Management Academy’s international research conference was organised under the auspices of the Design Society’s Design Management Special Interest Group (DeMSIG) and Design Research Society’s Design Innovation Management Special Interest Group (DIMSIG) in collaboration with: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Loughborough University, Tsinghua University, University of Strathclyde, Politecnico di Milano and Delft University of Technology. The conference was a culmination of two years of planning and the 2019 conference planning commenced well before the 2017 conference programme schedule was finalised. It is a hope that the conference will act as a platform to build a diverse community of scholars who are interested to explore and discuss design innovation practices.
Conference Proceedings of the Design Management Academy
2017 International Conference: Research Perspectives on Creative Intersections
7–9 June 2017, Hong Kong,
designmanagementacademy.com
Volume 4
Editors: Erik Bohemia, Cees de Bont and Lisbeth Svengren Holm
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
Conference Proceedings of the Design Management Academy
ISSN 2514-8419 (Online)
Design Management Academy
ISBN 978-1-912294-11-4 (Volume 1)
ISBN 978-1-912294-12-1 (Volume 2)
ISBN 978-1-912294-13-8 (Volume 3)
ISBN 978-1-912294-14-5 (Volume 4)
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... In his thesis on 'Multiple Perspective Problem Framing', English (2011) proposes that our capacity for innovation is dependent upon the way we are able to perceive problems and opportunities. As such it is framed by a radical constructivist epistemology that makes two main claims: "(a) knowledge is not passively received but actively built up by the cognizing subject; (b) the function of cognition is adaptive and serves the organization of the experiential world, not the discovery of ontological reality" (Glasersfeld, 1989). ...
... In his thesis on 'Multiple Perspective Problem Framing', English (2011) proposes that our capacity for innovation is dependent upon the way we are able to perceive problems and opportunities. As such it is framed by a radical constructivist epistemology that makes two main claims: "(a) knowledge is not passively received but actively built up by the cognizing subject; (b) the function of cognition is adaptive and serves the organization of the experiential world, not the discovery of ontological reality" (Glasersfeld, 1989). ...
Design is a multifaceted and a multidisciplinary field. In the current scenario of globalization and multiculturalism, the Systems study of design discipline across different timespace can enrich the scope of design practice. We propose and demonstrate a methodology to work across time, space, and design applications.This work is rooted in the theory of General Systems Thinking: GST. The effectiveness of GST in multidisciplinary environment is well established. GST has influenced design for several decades but it is still underused. Compare and Borrow, the methodology we propose is an application of Systems Thinking. It facilitates the comparison of the conceptual models of various fields in design, at various time and space, to create a platform for systematic exchange of system rules, tools, and processes. This new methodology is evaluated by the successful demonstration of borrowing a design tool from one application and applying it for another application. 'Grid in visual design' is the design tool selected for demonstration. Grid is considered as the greatest tool in terms of space management. We attempt to provide a platform to compare and borrow the grids across different applications.
... The informing and transforming benefits of multiple perspective reflection as part of a Reflective Practice can potentially be expanded further to deeper aspects of a designer's self knowledge (English, 2011). Multiple perspective reflection informs about process through hindsight description and analysis; and transforms professional self-awareness and thus future actions, by shedding light upon habitual actions that can be modified to 'remove barriers to accomplishment' (English, 2008). ...
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.
... (Schwartz & Begley 2003) As a result, a reflective design practitioner with improved inner self--awareness and outer world--awareness may consciously and continuously witness the cognitive evolution of, what could be known as, his or her own "Design--Self" (Figure 2). English (2010) proposes that design happens simultaneously in both the designer and the thing designed. In this sense, a "Design--Self" can be viewed as an ever--evolving entity that is created anew through reflective designing in a process that transforms our self--perception and even our brain structure. ...
This paper suggests that an Enhanced Reflective Practice model, as part of a structured reflective practice discipline, supports the vision of an initiative known as " Design Praxium " . This initiative aims to fulfil: (i) a need for a new type of design practice; (ii) a deeper design educational experience; (iii) a new generation of designers that are able to shape new contexts through design. Design Education would benefit from the inclusion of practical ways to cultivate values that may develop hand in hand with design theory and technique. If mental training disciplines that aim to ultimately foster cooperative human qualities can be inserted within existing structured reflective disciplines in an educational context, then rising design students may progress into professional endeavours with higher potential of making more sustainable and socially responsible choices. This paper presents the theoretical context for a developing study that will investigate if the techniques of Enhanced Reflective Practice stimulate mindfulness and promote cooperative human qualities. It is argued that developing these qualities within a design education environment holds the potential to move 'Design' towards the vision of 'Design Praxium'. Moreover, it is concluded that the significant value of this approach is the seamless integration of the disciplines of mindfulness and that of structured reflective practice.
This doctoral programme explored intersections between design and mindfulness. The thesis describes an exploratory embedded multiple-case study methodology where: (1) critical analysis of relevant literature informed the development a literature-supported design relevant mindfulness intervention, or mindful design device; (2) qualitative data collection and analysis methods were used to develop theoretical categories to represent designers’ evolving personal and professional values in an academic multidisciplinary collaborative design setting; and (3) qualitative data collection and analysis methods were used to assess designers' perceptions of impact into their social interaction resulting from engagement with the mindfulness intervention.
A significant feature of the mindful design device is that, as part of the mindful reflection process, it generates unique and rich sets of data that reveal designers’ evolving values. The suggested major categories of designers' values in context with collaborative design arising from the analysis are: Efficacy, Relationality, Development and Achievement. Further study findings demonstrate that upon engagement with the device, designers become more aware in specific ways of, not only interpersonal, but also intrapersonal aspects.
It is argued that greater understanding of what motivates design decisions, as well as increased development of attentiveness in social interactions along with other mindfulness effects, are vital for constructive mediation in design education and design practice. It would be reasonable to assert that well developed mindfulness based collaborative design skills empower designers to exercise their capacities relevant to the design task, as well as to work collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals.
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 findings state that the lack of connector-integrator capability in designers during the ‘define’ phase lead to weak interpretation of the problem space, and consequently contributed to design’s inability to convert ideas into real products in the ‘delivery’ phase.
The paper concludes that for design to effectively drive innovation it needs to secure entrepreneurial support i.e. with an appetite for risk/reward; in the early part of the design process.
Keywords: Case Study, Design Innovation, Design process, Double Diamond, Entrepreneurship.
Reassembling the Social is a fundamental challenge from one of the world’s leading social theorists to how we understand society and the ‘social ‘. Bruno Latour’s contention is that the word ‘social’, as used by Social Scientists, has become laden with assumptions to the point where it has become misnomer. When the adjective is applied to a phenomenon, it is used to indicate a stablilized state of affairs, a bundle of ties that in due course may be used to account for another phenomenon. But Latour also finds the word used as if it described a type of material, in a comparable way to an adjective such as ‘wooden’ or ‘steely ‘. Rather than simply indicating what is already assembled together, it is now used in a way that makes assumptions about the nature of what is assembled. It has become a word that designates two distinct things: a process of assembling; and a type of material, distinct from others. Latour shows why ‘the social’ cannot be thought of as a kind of material or domain, and disputes attempts to provide a ‘social explanations’ of other states of affairs. While these attempts have been productive (and probably necessary) in the past, the very success of the social sciences mean that they are largely no longer so. At the present stage it is no longer possible to inspect the precise constituents entering the social domain. Latour returns to the original meaning of ‘the social’ to redefine the notion, and allow it to trace connections again. It will then be possible to resume the traditional goal of the social sciences, but using more refined tools. Drawing on his extensive work examining the ‘assemblages’ of nature, Latour finds it necessary to scrutinize thoroughly the exact content of what is assembled under the umbrella of Society. This approach, a ‘sociology of associations’, has become known as Actor-Network-Theory, and this book is an essential introduction both for those seeking to understand Actor-Network Theory, or the ideas of one of its most influential proponents.
How is it possible to think new thoughts? What is creativity and can science explain it?
When The Creative Mind: Myths and Mechanisms was first published, Margaret A. Boden's bold and provocative exploration of creativity broke new ground. Boden uses examples such as jazz improvisation, chess, story writing, physics, and the music of Mozart, together with computing models from the field of artificial intelligence to uncover the nature of human creativity in the arts, science and everyday life.
The Second Edition of The Creative Mind has been updated to include recent developments in artificial intelligence, with a new preface, introduction and conclusion by the author. It is an essential work for anyone interested in the creativity of the human mind.
A leading MIT social scientist and consultant examines five professions--engineering, architecture, management, psychotherapy, and town planning--toshow how professionals really go about solving problems.
Since its first publication, Action Research: Principles and Practice has become a key text in its field. This new updated edition clearly describes and explains the practices of action research and its underlying values, and introduces important new ideas, including: • all professionals should be reflective practitioners; • they should produce their personal theories of practice to show how they are holding themselves accountable for their educational influences in learning; •the stories they produce become a new people's history of action research, with potential for influencing new futures. This new edition has expanded in scope, to contribute to diverse fields including professional development across the sectors and the disciplines. It considers the current field, including its problems as well as its considerable hopes and prospects for new thinking and practices. Now fully updated, this book contains: • A wealth of case-study material • New chapters on the educational significance of action research • An overview of methodological and ethical discussion The book is a valuable addition to the literature on research methods in education and nursing and healthcare, and professional education, and contributes to contemporary debates about the generation and dissemination of knowledge and its potential influence for wider social and environmental contexts. Practitioners across the professions who are planning action research in their own work settings will find this book a helpful introduction to the subject while those studying on higher degree courses will find it an indispensable resource.