The question of design

This chapter describes the changing nature of the role, and the objectives, of Design in the commercial and manufacturing corporate context, and provides a future context for the role and objectives of design in the juxturpositionaing of the digital and physical worlds. It is from this context that the Design Research programs in Philips Design have been built. Kyffin’s work in the field of design-thinking, and methods to support the design of intelligent products, is represented by his involvement in organising the DeSForm Conference and the co-editing of its proceedings in 2005, 2006 and 2007. www.desform2006.id.tue.nl/. He also delivered the opening speech at DeSForM 2006, Eindhoven. Other associated publications include an authored article in the DPPI journal, ‘Personal and Ubiquitous Computing’: http://www.springerlink.com/content/kx714w81500n0u5w/ 2005. In CfDR, Kyffin’s work in the field of ambient intelligent products has supported the work of reflective design practice masters students, 2003-7. These postgraduates have been involved in sponsored research through Philips Design to develop theory and methods to assist the development of the next generation of intelligent, motive products.