Configuring hybrid objects as design spaces
An Open Design approach is emerging wherein designs are delivered in an open form, to trigger transformations by others, representing the idea that products are never finished but continually evolving and that people in a sense create things together. The design then aims at generating processes that lead to unexpected designs. This open philosophy manifests itself in e.g. diy-tutorials, accessible design tools, and also specifically in personal fabrication laboratories. Fablabs provide infrastructure and technological know-how to non-experts to design things themselves. But are open design and accessible infrastructure sufficient to trigger participation by designers and non-designers? Studies concerning Internet participation show that merely 1% actively contribute to the creation of the Internet. This phd-research investigates how we can design for participation. Design for participation exceeds the designed artefact. The designer becomes a meta-designer who does not design objects but spaces (or objects as spaces) in which non-designers can create their own or transform existing objects. These objects should be hybrid, meaning open, non-defined or not finished, triggering participation, permitting different uses, and so on. Hybrid objects will be developed and result in a toolbox that supports this type of design.
Configuring hybrid objects as design spaces is a Phd-project of Jessica Schoffelen within MAD-faculty.