Design and the Modeling Relation

Abstract

Human perceptions of the world can be described in terms of models, such as mental models, formal models, and so on. All models involve some selection of the elements which comprise them. The degree to which those selections are consciously made varies according to the type of model being described, or thought to be relevant. This is a commentary on Michael Lissack’s two-part article “Understanding is a Design Problem: Cognizing from a Designerly Thinking Perspective.” It discusses models in terms of Robert Rosen’s modeling relation, and explores the role that design plays in the process of modeling. Keywords: Model, modeling relation, boundary, design, Attachment Theory