“’Forget’ the methods, get the atmosphere right.”
John Chris Jones
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Foster the development of the attitudes and approaches that
underpin a successful designer’s work
·
Focus on getting students to regard themselves as enterprising
“trainee designers,” not dependent students
·
Help students develop a “designerly” way of thinking,
working, and presenting all of their work – interim to final
·
Emphasize the development of comprehensive, non-formulaic
thinking, precision, and craft
·
Rely up extensive research -- including literature survey,
observation, interviewing, and prototyping – as the basis for design and
evaluation
·
Use writing as a “thinking tool” throughout the design
process
·
Wherever possible develop physical models that embody the
essence of the interaction with an object, experience, or service
·
Hold students accountable for their design decisions and the
broader implications of their work
·
Require students individually to develop a comprehensive set
of skills, but also to work in collaborative and participatory settings
·
Incorporate technology, as appropriate, in the design
process, but do not make it the generative force
·
Encourage students to develop an “Edward Tufte-like”
minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes the role of meaning and perception
