Work

From computation to curation: Expanding the boundaries of design practice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This perspective paper explores the evolving boundaries of design practice in response to emerging trends, processes, and frameworks. It moves beyond traditional problem-solving paradigms to propose four dimensions that reconceptualize the role of design: 1. Design as Immersive Experience, expanding design's role from artifact creation to experience curation; 2. Design as an Evolving Computational Capability, moving the perception of AI from artificial to anticipatory intelligence; 3. Design as Relational Tension, balancing the design process between ego-driven authorship and empathy-driven action; and 4. Design as an Expanding Field, integrating cross-disciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge. Grounded in foundational theories, professional practices, and case studies, these four dimensions position design as a critical, adaptive, and culturally embedded practice. The paper concludes with the Design for Longevity (D4L) framework, emphasizing sustainability and systemic thinking.

Source: Design Studies

DOI: 10.1016/j.destud.2025.101357

Author: Sheng-Hung Lee

Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Design Education and Practice

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,570

Funders: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Queensland, Northeastern University