Designing with Matter: Critical Roles of Material in Design Thinking

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bachelor_Asaka_Hitomi_2024.pdf (1.73 MB)

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School of Arts, Design and Architecture | Bachelor's thesis
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Date

2024

Department

Major/Subject

Major of Design

Mcode

Degree programme

Bachelor's Programme in Design

Language

en

Pages

47 + 68

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Abstract

The concept of “design thinking” has gained substantial traction within and beyond the design community. This thesis critically examines the evolution of design thinking from its roots in the mid-20th century to its current status as a buzzword often associated with superficial practices that lack depth. It explores the literature that has shaped our understanding of design thinking to contextualize the concept and identify its limitations, particularly regarding materiality, an aspect often overshadowed in mainstream discussion. Through semi-structured interviews with Finnish ceramists and qualitative analysis, this research investigates and highlights the role and significance of materials. Using cremated ash as an extreme case of materiality, the study identifies differences in designers’ design processes and reveals how material can profoundly influence design thinking. The thesis argues for a re-contextualization of design thinking, moving away from a purely human-centric methodology to one that recognizes materials as non-human actors in the relational and collective practice of design. It suggests an enriched understanding of design thinking by emphasizing material-led practice, a critical perspective often neglected in the field.

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Supervisor

Chun, Namkyu

Thesis advisor

Kollmann, Talvikki

Keywords

design thinking, material, design process, materiality, designers, ceramists

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202407145111

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[kand] Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu / ARTS (Open access)