“Design Theory: Beyond Problem Solving and Future Visioning” By Daijiro Mizuno / Tomohide Mizuuchi / Yasuhiro Yamasaki, eds.
When people hear the word “design”, many may think of the appearance or functions of objects. However, this book explores design as an existential issue: the idea that humans are not only designing things themselves, but are also being redesigned by the things they have created.
Humanity is now facing “wicked problems” that cannot be addressed through conventional concepts such as “problem solving” or “future visioning”: accelerating global warming, ongoing wars, and widening inequality. In response to this situation, this book surveys design theories since the twentieth century and illuminates the current state of design practice through a diverse range of keywords, from philosophy of technology and well-being to activism. Design is an activity that can be practiced across every dimension of everyday life.
However, this book is not merely an organization of past discussions. Rather than presenting a “design theory for the future” as something provided by the authors, it serves as a framework through which readers can think together. The structure, in which each chapter resonates with the others, is itself designed to encourage pluralistic ways of thinking.
In an era when everyone is engaged in design, this book is open not only to those who are beginning to study design, but also to anyone searching for ways to break through the sense of stagnation that surrounds our world. (¥2,420)
