The Interconnected Process of Design and Science: a method for mapping concepts and knowledge

Innovation is often perceived as an unmanageable phenomenon. Design introduces creative problem definition, such that science knowledge can lead to innovation. Simon (1968) alludes to the tension between science and its practical applications in his discussion, The Sciences of the Artificial. This paper explores the relationship between the two fields of science and design through C-K Theory. Four case studies are analysed through the deconstruction of a C-K map - a tool that allows a project to be described based on the way ideas and information have developed over time. The findings present three new models within the C-K theory construct; (i) the E-ladder; (ii) the K-space spiral and (iii) the double helix. Implications and future work for these three new models are explored and presented.