Revista dos encontros internacionais Ergotrip Design

Being-Centered Design: an existentialist approach

Nuno Dias, Cristiane Menezes, Abhishek Chatterjee — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article describes ‘Being-Centered Design,’ an existentialist approach that leverages speculation and critical reflection to foster desired modes of existence at the core of a situated perspective. The main goal is to establish a “poetic space” for poiesis - the creation and production of design - towards a local “wisdom economy,” inspired by Stuart Walker. Centering on the question of 'Being' and becoming, the model aims to transcend the dominant anthropocentric paradigms in design, to embrace the positive potentials of deep and transformative experiences through the phenomenology of contemplation, spirituality, and transcendence. These dimensions are explored both from the standpoint of creation as well as the reception and use of design products and concepts, which act as mediators over technique and as enhancers of new modes of existence. To discuss the applicability of emerging concepts, the article positions Being-Centered Design within the context of an ongoing action-research project, in collaboration with the community of the Linen Cycle of Castelões.

Design Education and Industry Collaboration: Exploring the Strategic Role of Chief Design Officer through a Multifaceted Pedagogical Approach

Gisela Pinheiro, Teresa Franqueira — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents an educational experimental endeavor undertaken within the scope of a doctoral research project, involving key stakeholders, including the University of Aveiro, Revigrés, and Design Factory Aveiro. The primary focus of the doctoral research is to assess the strategic significance of the role of a Chief Design Officer within the corporate landscape, with a specific emphasis on the Portuguese industry,
notably the ceramic tile and flooring company, Revigrés.
As an integral part of the Project in Product Design II teaching team, the methodology already employed in the curricular unit was adapted to align with the research objectives. Following consultations with Revigrés, a project brief was formulated, providing students with a targeted challenge. Describing the journey taken with this experiment, this article draws parallels between the role of the academic teaching team, functioning as a scientific supervisor, project manager, and mediator between the company and students, and that of the Chief Design Officer. The latter is viewed as a design team leader, a strategic design visionary, and a bridge-builder aligning business objectives with market and societal needs.
This article meticulously details the entire process of this pedagogical experience, offering a comprehensive analysis that extracts meaningful results for both ongoing research and the partnering company. The insights gained contribute not only to academic research in design but also provide valuable implications for the strategic positioning of a Chief Design Officer in fostering innovation and collaboration between academia and industry.

User experience in games: A comparative case study of Top Gear 2 and Horizon Chase Turbo