Dialogue & Design
In the work of my master thesis, I explored the relation of dialogue to design through the work of David Bohm and William Isaacs. My research led to the proposal that cultivating the space in which dialogue can be attained is a crucial role of the designer in the modern context.
Emotional, Cognitive & Social Needs
This cultivated space must address the emotional, cognitive and physical considerations of the participants in order to access the collective creativity and co-creative potential of the group. This practice includes “facilitating creative conversations, framing unexpected questions, and navigating the uncomfortable” (Labarre). Enabling conflicting parties to access deeper layers of individual and group meaning creates the environment in which dialogue can occur. Successfully creating this space leads to generative dialogue and collaboration, or co-creation.
Constellations of Dialogue & Design
In addition to identifying the need for three kinds of space to support dialogue, I also propose a mapping of dialogue within the broader constellation of design. This constellation maps characteristics of dialogue and was developed from an analysis of the theory and empiry. Within this larger frame of design, dialogue is situated. This map is proposed as a means of understanding not only the relation of the two, and their elements, but also to suggest the ways in which dialogue can be used to support design.
For my thesis exhibition, I built a physical model of the constellations I proposed.
