Emergent Design Methodologies and Implications

DS 58-1: Proceedings of ICED 09, the 17th International Conference on Engineering Design, Vol. 1, Design Processes, Palo Alto, CA, USA, 24.-27.08.2009

Year: 2009
Editor: Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Carter, Carissa Lark; Edelman, Jonathan Antonio
Series: ICED
Section: Design Processes
Page(s): 551-558

Abstract

Emergent design is a toolset for designers working on complex, grand design challenges. Emergent design accesses the stories and perspectives, referred to here as "self-maps", of millions of people around the world, quickly, economically, and efficiently. In contrast to a small number of in-depth user research studies, emergent design aims to access the same quality of rich insights by accessing small pieces of information from millions of people, synthesizing, and deriving design inspiration. This paper presents the background and inspiration for emergent design, the major components of the toolset, specific methodologies used, and the initial pilot project areas and future implications.

Keywords: emergent design, storytelling, empathy, methodology, crowdsourcing

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