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Concept
C-K theory
Summary
C-K design theory or concept-knowledge theory is both a design theory and a theory of reasoning in design. It defines design reasoning as a logic of expansion processes, i.e. a logic that organizes the generation of unknown objects. The theory builds on several traditions of design theory, including systematic design, axiomatic design, creativity theories, general and formal design theories.
Claims made for C-K design theory include that it is the first design theory that:
Offers a comprehensive formalization of design that is independent of any design domain or object
Explains invention, creation, and discovery within the same framework as design processes.
The name of the theory is based on its central premises: the distinction between two spaces:
a space of concepts C
a space of knowledge K.
The process of design is defined as a double expansion of the C and K spaces through the application of four types of operators: C→C, C→K, K→C, K→K.
The first draft of C-K theory was sketched by Armand Hatchuel, and then developed by Hatchuel and his colleague, Benoît Weil. Recent publications explain C-K theory and its practical application in different industries.
C-K theory was a response to three perceived limitations of existing design theories:
Design theory when assimilated to problem solving theory is unable to account for innovative aspects of design.
Classic design theories dependent on object domains, machine design, architecture or industrial design favored design theories that were tailored to their specific knowledge bases and contexts. Without a unified design theory these fields experience difficulties over cooperation in real design situations.
Design theories and creativity theories have been developed as separate fields of research. But design theory should include the creative, surprising and serendipitous aspects of design; while creativity theories have been unable to account for intentional inventive processes common in design fields.
Official source
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