STEDEX '10

Lowgren and Stolterman (1999:18) stressed that by exploring new methods and techniques, a designer could extend his language and his repertoire of tools for different design situations. A central feature of this work is the use of design practice and its outcomes to provide part of the environment for engaging stakeholders in their homes or other familiar environments. The designer also must develop good skills of interacting with and observing stakeholders. To develop appropriate skills in this approach, as well as understanding its principles, designers must experience them in action such as through pilot studies.

This is evident above where the designer is using research methods to understand the subjects and their culture as preparation for the main body of work. The designer/researcher will need to pay attention to certain features in developing their design work. These include developing appropriate design presentation formats, selecting familiar cultural objects and being able to identify flexible ‘relevant’ products. Methods of engagement with participants must also take into account participants’ background, culture and environmental settings.

In summary, it was observed that the designer could not predict the course of cultural factors. However, through this practice-led approach, the work has identified that particular elements of culture might be useful for designers in new product development. This kind of contextualised understanding cannot be gained in studio work (Ireland 2003:22). However, it requires engagement with stakeholders and, as Bowen (2009:137) Rahman & Rust (2009) and Rahman (2010) have indicated, stakeholders cannot envisage future possibilities without a stimulus such as the introduction of a conceptual design or artefact.