What do you mean that wasn’t on the design brief? New perspectives about the brief in the design process through Actor-Network Theory lenses

Abstract

Regarding the design brief, there is a mismatch between what design studies posit about it and how the design process is, in fact, conducted. While the design brief is commonly understood as a tool to uncover problems and guide the development, design studies often describe a diffuse and non-linear design process that dynamically adapts to the work context – whether the objective is to design products/services or innovation-driven organizational strategies. From a documentary analysis of 58 design briefs sent by 6 informants, this research aims to broaden the understanding about the dynamics and procedures of the brief in the design process. Principles and concepts of the Actor-Network Theory informs on the plasticity with which the design brief is materialized. Even though it intends to simplify the development, the design brief evokes new perspectives for the design process, because it projects an otherwise restrictive approach onto the field of possibilities.

Keywords

• Briefing
• Processo de design
• Teoria Ator-Rede