CCDN271: Design as Inquiry Tri 1, 2011
Assignment two: abstract [+thesis statement] Deliverables: 250-300 word abstract including thesis statement Submission format: word document or word compatible, saved to the R-drive and submitted as a physical document to your tutor Assessment: 20% of final grade Due: Friday 1 April 2011 Brief: Assignment 2 will continue your preparation for the production of a final research paper. This assignment asks you to compose a 250-300 word abstract including the following: a concise research question, a brief statement of the value/benefit of your study, and summary of the scope of your inquiry. Expectations: • 250-300 word abstract that includes the following—a concise and convincing thesis statement, a statement of the aims and potential benefit of your investigation, and a summary of the scope of your inquiry. Examples: (each component is highlighted in yellow) • thesis statement: As modern technology offers us increasingly more options, many people today find that they desire fewer rather than more objects in their lives. With this project, I will research the contemporary ‘Organic’ design movement in order to reveal how the exploration of natural forms and structures can lead to the discovery of more economical frameworks and systems in design. • Aims and potential benefit of investigation: As modern technology offers us increasingly more options, many people today find that they desire fewer rather than more objects in their lives. With this project, I will research the contemporary ‘Organic’ design movement in order to reveal how the exploration of natural forms and structures can lead to the discovery of more economical frameworks and systems in design. I will argue that in looking to nature as a model, rather than technology, design will be able to provide better (and fewer) solutions for the needs of tomorrow. • Scope of inquiry: As modern technology offers us increasingly more options, many people today find that they desire fewer rather than more objects in their lives. With this project, I will research the contemporary ‘Organic’ design movement in order to reveal how the exploration of natural forms and structures can lead to the discovery of more economical frameworks and systems in design. I will argue that in looking to nature as a model, rather than technology, design will be able to provide better (and fewer) solutions for the needs of tomorrow. Beginning with Christopher Alexander’s seminal1977 text, A Pattern Language, this study will provide an overview and critique of the leading theorist informing the Organic Design Movement and apply these frameworks to the analysis of key examples of contemporary design. **This assignment will produce a critical framework to guide both your research and final paper. Please be thoughtful and give ample consideration to defining your research question. This assignment also has the added benefit of allowing tutors to provide you with constructive feedback and to help you develop and refine your investigation and supposition prior to beginning your final research paper.