Reflections on the epistemology of design: a Simondonian analysis

ABSTRACT

In this paper, I investigate what constitutes a design object and the process of creating it, using a Simondonian perspective. This perspective allows to reflect on how a design emerges, its epistemological, axiomatic, and reflective processes. I will use Simondon’s theory on the mode of existence of technical objects to study design theories. This paper rethinks design as central in contemporary human sciences to propose a trans-disciplinary dialogue between design studies and philosophy, reflecting on the generation of knowledge in design. In this trans-disciplinary dialogue, I will analyse design as the outcome of a process that is innovative, emergent, fragile, existing in potentia until its boundaries are closed. I will contribute to design studies by demonstrating that the design’s materiality is fluid and variates, that it changes until it is closed in the final product. Objects are formed at a certain moment, but their technicity and materiality precede and go beyond them. They do not exist as predetermined, multifaceted matter but as of the outcome of their variation and continuity, captured in the evolving form. In fact, until the form is closed, definite, the design is perpetually in assemblage.

KEYWORDS:

• Design studies
• design object
• design process
• technical objects
• epistemology of design
• Simondon

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. See, for example, Dewey (1934): art as experience allows the viewer of being detached from the object and experience it.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council [ES/S006060/1].

Notes on contributors

Marta Gasparin

Marta Gasparin is an Associate Professor at the University of Leicester School of Business. Her research explores the emergence of design and innovation, value creation, and the role of human and non-human actors in innovation processes. She is leading an ESRC funded project titled ‘slow design driven innovation’ in the UK and Vietnam.