A state of design process

Digital workflow is the backbone of entire segments of our daily lives, encompassing everything from entire industries to our music catalogues. It would be impossible to reverse such a system that has made things possible and easier that were not before. However, when it comes to the design field, there are counterpoints to this increasing digitalization of entire processes. For as Harris Dimitropoulos argues, "human inscription" is being lost in this digitalization transition, which subsequently carries with it an integral part of what design is.

Dimitropoulos, a professor of architecture at Georgia Institute of Technology, talks about this shift from physically designing (in his case—actually drawing on paper) to digitally creating as a major movement in architecture education, and continues to discuss what effects this has on the curriculum and the graduating students at large.

While I can not comment on this theme regarding architecture, I can, however, view this within context of my design school experience. Throughout my three-years I have had a number of teachers that have insisted, and preached, to pay certain attention to an "analog" design process within their classes—classes which, admittedly, were much richer for their experience and exploration. Most, if not all, classes I've had teach concept and process over final result, and are solely focused on idea development rather than technical software workings. Still, I can personally observe an overall digital theme throughout the school, which is often more than evident in the workings and outcomes of our projects.

There could be some incertitude regarding what the school's mantra really is. They teach process while not always defining what that entails—essential in both first and second year, if not all the way through. Therefore, when it isn't expanded upon by the professor, the atmosphere and tone of the school can qualify what process should look like. It is here where it becomes an issue of space requirements and student numbers. The lack of space to foster a sustained working community at school pushes everyone to satellite studios, and aside from a few small groups, effectively disconnects students outside of class.

This is not to place blame but rather to enlighten, especially those that may just be starting in design education. Digital methods and software are only tools of the design process, not a substitute for it's entirety. Dimitropoulos further discusses digital process within architecture; he states disembodiment or a lack of human inscription is not only visible in the process and subsequent outcome, but also in the actual space and buildings if built.

It's easily assumed that this digital process applies only to the time spent creating ideas in software—yet, similarly, it is the email and blogs that sometimes find their daily routine all too closely positioned or integrated with our design process. Whatever the case, this final quote from Harris' is relevant for both student and professional alike:

Instead of fostering creativity and expanding our minds in ways made possible by our cognitive protheses, we are running the risk of being passive... [by] the secondary role our bodies play in digital design.

Works cited:
Dimitropoulos, Harris. "On the Lack of Human Inscription in Digital Design Processes". The Role of the Humanities in Design Creativity Conference. University of Lincoln, UK. November 2007.