How Do Designers from Practice Design?

Abstract

In individual case studies the design processes of so-called p-designers (experienced designers from practice who have neither education at a university nor education in design methodology) were investigated and compared with those of m-designers (designers with education in design methodology at a university). The results are detailed descriptions of the design processes of eight individual cases and a set of hypotheses about the special design behaviour of p-designers. Possible causes for their procedures are discussed. A minimum design guideline for p-designers is suggested to support their design processes. At the end of the paper, the limitations of the study and conclusions for research and design methodology are presented.