Framing complexity, design and experience: A reflective analysis

Abstract The paper discusses theory and practice in the roles of reflective practice and contextual design in addressing issues of complexity in design. The author defines a new understanding of the role of complexity in design. The paper reviews theories in design and HCI related to reflective practice, context, and embodied interaction. A case story of practice in interaction design and museums is presented as a practice-based investigation of the complex. The paper calls for the framing of larger research agendas in this area with the need to further work on issues of context, reflective practice, embodiment and human activity in order to provide a more comprehensive and integral view of design activity. The paper concludes with the need to reframe concerns in design in order to emphasise situated participation, non-rational design strategies, in situ design and a re-orientation in focus from tasks to experience.

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