Reframing design under technical conditions

Abstract

In recent years concepts and approaches of scientific epistemology and sociology of science have been applied to the field of design and thereby considerably exposed the epistemological qualities and socio-material configurations in the practice of designing. However, technical paradigms and characteristics of design practice as a specific form of technical activity have been slightly neglected. In considering positions from the philosophy and sociology of technology as well as media theory, we attempt to resume promising approaches that move in this direction and indicate what the implications of such approaches might be for creative practices. By elaborating these aspects, we aim to reframe contemporary design cultures and practices within technical conditions. © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.