An activity theory focused case study of graphic designers' tool-mediated activities during the conceptual design phase

作者：Tan Stella^*; Meles Gavin

来源：Design Studies, 2010, 31(5): 461-478.

DOI：10.1016/j.destud.2010.05.002

• graphic design
• problem solving
• design activity
• activity theory

Similar to other design disciplines, graphic design employs a range of symbolic and material resources through the conceptual design phase. Personal, social and technological resources are used as tools to interpret a design brief and work towards a solution. This study investigates the problem-solving process of graphic design practice within an activity theory framework, focusing on data collected using ethnographic methods concerning tool-mediated activities and strategies undertaken by three in freelance graphic designers. Employing a theory that explicitly acknowledges and diagrams the interplay between subjects, tools and tasks offers new insight into the design decision-making process, particularly the significance of tool mediation for the realization of tasks during design work.

• 出版日期2010-9