About:

Within this design research project, conducted at the interactive institute (Stockholm), "the concept light" was subjected to a research method that would take it away from its ordinary definition and usage. This method, named exemplary design research, begins with a study of random projects, articles and papers as a source of inspiration for a new project. Although the source material was about many different projects, general themes emerged in the project discussions. These themes were deepened and interrelations were searched for resulting in an overlapping field (the immature design space) that could be investigated.

 

Instead of solving a certain design problem, as it is done in a design projects traditional approach, this project focused on the exploration of the immature design space. Within the design space several concepts were developed that occupy a point in the space without necessarily being the best option for it. The individual ideas were not the main focus here since it is the relation between them that defines the design space. Some concepts could arise that are particularly suitable to communicate the dimensions that define the design space, but in essence it is the comparison with the other ideas either within or outside this space that best describes its existence.

 

In order to communicate these relations best, two extreme interpretations of the design space were developed and visualised. In addition, conceptual extremes, not to be meant as conclusions of the project, could function as triggers for discussion and provide context as to what the boundaries of the project were.