Abstract

In this paper we discuss how design can have different meanings and uses in practice and what of those are related to innovation processes. The paper looks at diverse theoretical stances in regard to the meaning of design. Later on, the paper describes data collected through in-depth interviews with fifteen UK companies in the manufacturing, engineering, transport, urban living and digital services areas. The findings inform our understanding about definitions and uses of design. In addition, we identify some of the difficulties companies experience in measuring the value and contributions of design, and illustrate alternative methods companies use for that purpose. The paper concludes with a synthesis of the findings from this research.

摘要

在本文中，我们讨论了设计如何在实践中具有不同的含义和用途，以及哪些与创新过程相关。本文着眼于关于设计含义的不同理论立场。随后，该论文描述了通过对制造、工程、交通、城市生活和数字服务领域的 15 家英国公司进行深入采访所收集的数据。这些发现有助于我们理解设计的定义和用途。此外，我们确定了公司在衡量设计的价值和贡献时遇到的一些困难，并说明了公司为此目的使用的替代方法。本文最后总结了这项研究的结果。