Small-Scale Design Experiments as Working Spaces for Larger Mobile Communication Challenges

Sarah Lowe,Dagny Stuedahl

doi:10.5204/jld.v7i1.163

Abstract

In this paper we use a small-scale design experiment to outline three distinct challenges for educating emerging designers entering the field of mobile communication â in particular within the space of a museumÂ. Challenges related to design research which have arisen as valid investigative needs from observed outcomes of a co-design experiment. We also contend that placing emphasis on discovering future needs from small-scale experiments is applicable across design pedagogies and provides students with a framework for conducting deeper analysis and research.

Highlights

Generations of emerging designers, well versed as both active participants and/or passive users of social and mobile media, are entering a professional environment where what can be considered a competency is a continually evolving discussion
The space of the internet is no longer tethered to an electrical outlet, and the boundaries within which objects communicate with each other, and with us, continue to be broken and made readily available (Johnson, Smith, Willis, Levine & Haywood, 2011). While this current student population is keenly aware of the space of social media and mobile technologies, they can often be less aware of the long tail each communication practice carries and the depths to which questions must be asked for its evolution
Emerging designers armed with the capabilities to understand how cultural shifts shape technical use are at an advantage in affecting the course of future mobile and social media communication practices

Summary

Introduction

Generations of emerging designers, well versed as both active participants and/or passive users of social and mobile media, are entering a professional environment where what can be considered a competency is a continually evolving discussion. The space of the internet is no longer tethered to an electrical outlet, and the boundaries within which objects communicate with each other, and with us, continue to be broken and made readily available (Johnson, Smith, Willis, Levine & Haywood, 2011). While this current student population is keenly aware of the space of social media and mobile technologies, they can often be less aware of the long tail each communication practice carries and the depths to which questions must be asked for its evolution. Emerging designers armed with the capabilities to understand how cultural shifts shape technical use are at an advantage in affecting the course of future mobile and social media communication practices

Methods

Conclusion