The user as a scenic feature of the design space

Abstract

In contrast to the more usual approach, we focus on the internal configuration of the design process. Using the concepts of type and typification as applied to design reasoning, we present an account of reasoning about 'the user' in design. Our analysis shows users are spoken of in many different yet systematically related ways. This structure of usage is shared by designers and taken for granted in their work practices. It forms one of the resources designers use to construct their design worlds. © 1994.