THE GIFT of UNCERTAINTY How can design education bring complexity and unpredictability into a positive framework for designers?

Abstract

This paper follows Krippendorff’s recommendation “to think and do things differently.” In particular, we explore the potential of his reformulation of a product as an “interface” to substitute “the meaninglessness of physical properties” [1] while exploring the “deceptive notion of THE user” as “stakeholder networks” [1]. The three stepping stones of the exploration of “What is?” [2], the journey “Where can we go?” [2], and the challenge of transitioning to “the turning point” [2] to increase flow in designing with uncertainty are examined in relation to Krippendorff’s reformulations of products and users, here by cases from design education on a master’s level. The students in this case have worked within a grid of a more traditional design processes, but system theory was introduced, forcing the students to evolve with the discovery of open systems and their interrelations and contradictions. The aim of this paper is to explore a design approach for progress and transition and, thus, designers’ future ability to meet future uncertainty and complex challenges with both humbleness and boldness. We argue how such a change of perspective may involve the exploration of new networks, relations, and experiences that support regenerative ripple effects and sustainability to handle uncertainty.