Objects as Entry-points to Complexity:

The Stove

Unpacking an image of an object removed from its context trains designers to focus on the object itself, temporarily avoiding (not abandon) surroundings. This practice will train designers to notice otherwise overlooked details, look deeply, and with focus even in large real world complex contexts.

What the participants takeaway

1.

2.

The ability to look closely at the material world and document specifics as part of developing a rigorous research practice.

Developing the sensibility to choose when to focus on aspects of a particular object and when and for far to expand into its related site and contexts.

3.

4.

Build a rhythm between zooming in to specifics and zooming out to contexts to experiment with a combination of close material observations and dynamic system relationships.

The ability to label and critique ones own knowledge of familiar objects individually and with others.

Skills Used

  1. Discovery

  2. Collaboration

  3. Observation

  4. Communication

  5. Documentation

  6. Description

  7. Making & Reflection

  8. Critique

  9. Discovery

  10. Analysis

C15: Foundations (2022)

Digital work created on Miro, Agency Program, Centre for Complexity in collaboration with Wongdoody-Infosys

Let’s take a look at how we explore a few of these skills

Observation

By removing an object from its site or context, participants take the time and effort to observe specifics. The participants noticed that there are 6 burners and 7 knobs designed into the stove. and infer that the leg height might be adjustable.

Collaboration

Looking deeply to reveal different perspectives as well as similar patterns require collaboration between people with different life experiences and knowledge. A single object can then become an opening to many possibilities through collaborative observation, documentation, critique and reflection.

Discovery

Participants practice discovering otherwise overlooked aspects of an object by ask themselves what they see, what it reminds them of, and what questions do they still have unanswered.

The Business Value of Design Methods and Skills

Discovery

Identification of new opportunities, market insights, and customer needs, leading to increased revenue and competitive advantage.

Collaboration

Improved teamwork, better decision-making, higher productivity and building lucrative business partnerships.

Observation

The ability to observe the world, notice opportunities and patterns in a system can lead to a competitive edge, Improved systems understanding beyond user behavior and needs, leading to more holistic user experiences, increased customer satisfaction, and higher conversion rates.