A systemic approach and multiscale data management. A ‘refrigerator’ case study

Abstract

Many digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, could radically change the way of conceiving a design process, especially when they are used to retrieve essential information to define a problem, identify the requirements and support design decisions, all of which are typical of the pre-design phase. In this essay, we reflect on the complexity of designing, on the need for a systemic approach based on participatory methods and on the use of prototypes as tools to unlock the potential, albeit still largely untapped, use of data for design purposes. An experiment has been conducted on a refrigerator and conclusions have been drawn on future visions, methodological aspects in the field of systemic design and the relationship between data and sustainability.

Keywords

• systemic design
• sustainability
• digital technologies
• requirements
• circular economy