Different Perspectives in Design Thinking

Globalization and digitalization are buzz words in contemporary society. They affect both our private and our professional lives. Society has become more diverse with easier access to information and to virtual platforms that gives us opportunity to be in touch with colleagues, friends, family, etc. at any time. A complex environment is emerging wherein internet of things and big data are being integrated with products, production systems, healthcare, and daily activity and play an important part in decision making. This has an impact on future designs and the role of designers. Responsible designers with a holistic perspective are needed.

The book highlights several aspects of design thinking such as Information Design and Critical Design. The meaning of culture, gender and disabilities are also discussed. The functions of Information Design are changing from ’showing the way’, instruction manuals and graphic design. It will affect among others, healthcare technology, smart products and Industry 4.0. Design thinking perspective that includes users from the entire chain and from the producer to the end user of the product or service, is needed. This will also require gender and culture issues to be taken into consideration in designing products and services. Design thinking methods and critical aspects of design will contribute to an inclusive society.

Yvonne Eriksson is the Chair Professor in Information Design and Vice Dean of the School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, at Mälardalen University and leader of the university´s Living lab. She is member of Design Society advisory board and co-chair of the SIG Human Behavior in Design.

The focus of her research is visual communication and visual management, and its relation to the perceptual and cognitive processes that are involved in interpretation of visuals and build milieus. A specific area she engages in gender issues in relation to visual studies. She has written several books about gender, art, and visual communication. Yvonne Eriksson has been running projects concerning the role of a picture in different contexts such as textbooks for education, storybooks for children and education of children with visual impairment. During the last years she has initiated and been involved in research project that takes place in an industrial context, with focus on visual communication for a global market.