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Euler diagram

The homepage and video shows the two definitions mapped out in a Euler diagram format. Euler diagrams are made up of a group of shapes that each represent a “set” or “class.” How these shapes overlap and encompass each other indicates set or class relationships. For example, in the diagram below, the largest class is “disciplines,” which encompasses “discipline sub-classes,” named by their focus: “speculative, applied and executing.”  These are then further broken down into discipline groups such as the “physical sciences, ” which is finally broken down into “physics, chemistry and biology.”

Species-Genus

The Euler diagram description is also a demonstration of the species-genus method of definition. This method involves establishing what similarities and differences the thing being defined has to other things. The species/genus method of definition is valuable for differentiating design from other activities and then establishing logical consistency between a constellation of terms required to understand the phenomenon of design. Using this method forces one to settle on specific conditions for the term to apply. While this may run counter to how we experience everyday use of term design, this method allows us to operationalize the definition for our practical end. For those not interested in operationalizing a definition, but who would like instead to gain a better understanding of the concept for its own sake, this method still has “immense heuristic value by “systematically” unraveling the concept.  (Carrol, 2006)

Benefits to visualizing

• Works well with the species-genus method of definition.
• Easy to learn and in most cases already known from some exposure in grade school.
• Well suited for designers who are visual thinkers (at least, from the applied arts context).
• Well suited for brainstorming exercises involving a group of people (i.e. curriculum development session)

Discuss and learn more about Munari and Mau’s definitions of design