z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Transforming the Object in Product Design
Author(s) -
Sampsa Hyysalo
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
outlines/critical social studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1904-0210
pISSN - 1399-5510
DOI - 10.7146/ocps.v4i1.5145
Subject(s) - product (mathematics) , process (computing) , scripting language , computer science , object (grammar) , work (physics) , product design , knowledge management , new product development , process management , business , artificial intelligence , engineering , marketing , mathematics , programming language , mechanical engineering , geometry
Product design is a process in which multiple understandings of technology and society are transformed into characteristics of a product, into skills found in the design team, and finally, into scripts that prefigure the use of the technology. Because of its particular concern with mutual transformations of objects, social collectives and subjects, activity theory seems a potentially powerful framework for analyzing the complexity of product design work. I utilize the concepts of motive and object of activity to analyze an innovation process in a small high-tech company. This analysis shows that engagement with the novel objects in the design process led to a significant transformation in the expertise, organization of work and dominant motive of the work community. In theoretical terms, the analysis suggests an alternative to the idea that an activity has one objectified motive which is instantiated in an object in the material world. It may be sensible to analyze product design as poly-motivated and its motives as instantiated in a number of different project-objects.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here