triad of
POSITIONING

This triad is the scaffold upon which work can be built, for students often wonder how and where to begin. A student has to be able to position their work historically (in relation to prior work or precedents, as well as those emerging), theoretically (apply relevant principles that can influence the design or composition) and philosophically (poetically debate the purpose of the work).

HISTORY

informs the designer of gaps in the field and draws their attention to potential areas of focus. Understanding the etymology16 of the term ‘design’, the origins of the activity and the profession is a prerequisite for any student of design.

THEORY

helps the student ground17 their project and answers crucial questions of how the world (and their design) works and why. Theory helps explain things, aids in decision making and can significantly influence the design of artefacts. The dialogue between theory and practice is essential as it instils much faith in the student, in their own capacity to make judgements, by seeing firsthand the outcome of their decisions.

PHILOSOPHY

brings to the fore existential questions on why the artefact should exist in the first place and what the consequences of its existence in the world are. What guides our actions and defines them as right or wrong? Can design be good or bad? Philosophy requires the student to pause and dwell on fundamental questions that concern design.

  1. read Eduardo Côrte-Real in The Word “Design”: Early Modern English Dictionaries and Literature on Design, 1604 - 1837 (2010).
  2. read David A. Whetten in What Constitutes a Theoretical Contribution (1989).