Theory

It is a fundamental problem exactly how the intentional and the physical conceptualization are related. If functions are seen primarily as ‘added to’ the physical substrate, or as realized in physical objects, then the question remains how these functions are related to the mental states of human individuals -which, after all, form the core of the intentional conceptualization. If functions are seen primarily as patterns of mental states, on the other hand, and exist, so to speak, in the heads of the designers and users of artifacts only, then it becomes somewhat mysterious how a function relates to the physical substrate in a particular artifact. Given this state of affairs, the general aim of the research program is to develop a coherent conceptual framework for describing technical artifacts, which takes due account of their dual nature.

Human activity is a complex evolutionary achievement. In a simplified fashion, its emergence may be depicted in three major steps. First, the animal form of activity is an immediately collective and populational 'methodology of survival' of a species. Even this type of activity is not just passive adaptation - "species do not adapt to environments; they construct them."

Toda atividade humana é voltada para a transformação de algo que interessa às pessoas. Esse algo é chamado de objeto. As pessoas utilizam instrumentos para transformar o objeto de modo a atingir um resultado. Mesmo que uma pessoas esteja agindo sozinha numa atividade, ainda assim ela estará inserida numa comunidade, com características culturais próprias. Dentre estas características, é relevante analisar a aplicação das regras e da divisão do trabalho na atividade

The embodied mind thesis is opposed to other theories of cognition, such as cognitivism, computationalism and Cartesian dualism. The idea has roots in Kant and 20th century continental philosophy (such as Merleau-Ponty). The modern version depends on insights drawn from recent research in linguistics, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, robotics and neurobiology.

The IEML research program promotes a radical innovation in the notation and processing of semantics. IEML (Information Economy MetaLanguage) is a regular language that provides new methods for semantic interoperability, semantic navigation, collective categorization and self-referential collective intelligence. This research program is compatible with the major standards of the Web of data and is in tune with the current trends in social computing.

Is human-centered design harmful? In a provocative essay, usability guru Donald Norman stirred controversy in 2005 by questioning human-centered design approaches and calling for designers to focus more on the context of human activity within which use takes place. Activity Modeling is a breakthrough that helps interaction designers and other design professionals to practice what Norman and others have been preaching. A new paper on activity modeling presents a practical framework for applying activity theory in usage-centered and task-centered design.

The drive to nail "design thinking" down has the same normative flavor that has restricted the spread of systems thinking. The urge to create a framework that specifies what and how a design thinker proceeds seems not just futile but dangerous to the survival of a movement aimed at expanding the kinds of thinking that managers, policy makers and citizens engage in.

One of the most important skills for almost everyone to have in the next decade and beyond will be those that allow us to create valuable, compelling, and empowering information and experiences for others. To do this, we must learn existing ways of organizing and presenting data and information and develop new ones. Whether our communication tools are traditional print products, electronic products, broadcast programming, interactive experiences, or live performances makes little difference.

BRIEF & OBJECTIVES PRINCIPLES & MANIFESTO: Design and develop a creative commons platform that elicits enlightened conversations, and exchanges of ideas by informed, theorists, practitioners , critics and thought leaders from business and design for the advancement of Design Thinking.

• Noise becomes data when it has a cognitive pattern. • Data becomes information when assembled into a coherent whole, which can be related to other information. • Information becomes knowledge when integrated with other information in a form useful for making decisions and determining actions. • Knowledge becomes understanding when related to other knowledge in a manner useful in anticipating, judging and acting. • Understanding becomes wisdom when informed by purpose, ethics, principles, memory and projection.