Opening Up Design Methodology

Abstract

Contemporary product development has transformed from being mono-disciplinary to increasingly trans-disciplinary. Design problems often do not match the boundaries of a single discipline. The integrated use of tools, techniques, and methods, which are intended to support designers in their work, is a subject of design methodology. This paper presents a critique of the current state of design methodologies from a transdisciplinary perspective, and their in-dustrial uptake. A case for an open community based approach for design methodology is made that considers contexts and mind-sets and provides a plat-form for consolidating design methodology in a dynamic perspective. The paper particularly addresses the following research questions: What needs should be addressed in the further development of design methodology? What develop-ments are required to meet these needs