Thinking with Representations

Aim

After completion of the course, the student shall on an advanced level be able to:

• apply basic concepts from distributed cognition,
• represent alternatives in a design space,
• reflect on the value of representations,
• use and develop tools and methods for representations, and reflect on what the tools enable and confine,
• describe and systematically reflect on how to represent complex situations on a detailed as well as holistic level.

Content

Ability and knowledge about what the roles of representations are in design, including the ability and knowledge to use different tools to plan and use representations is developed, by conducting a series of assignments. Literature from design and cognitive science is used to reflect on the process. Emphasis is put on reflecting in- and on action to further the understanding of mechanisms for learning with the help of representations and the connection between the built representation and the knowledge it makes available. More general implications for design of placing representation at the center of the design process is also considered in the course.