‘More is More’ Symposium: some reflections Alec Robertson Faculty of Art & Design De Montfort University [email protected]

‘More is More’ Symposium: some reflections

Alec RobertsonFaculty of Art & DesignDe Montfort University

www.dmu.ac.uk/4dd/[email protected]

Alec Robertson ‘Embracing Complexity in Art & Design’ “ECSS06 Conference” SAID Business School, University of Oxford 28 Sept 06

Some reflections on …

Complexity? 4D Design? Knowledge

transfer?


Complexity….

many designed systems are complex, and the science of complex systems is required to understand their behaviour;

many design processes are complex, including methods of fabrication, materials, and supply chains;

the environment of design is complex, including regulation, and socio-economic forces such as markets and fashion; and

the design process itself forms a complex human system involving the creation and communication of voluminous heterogeneous information mediated by new ICT technologies enabling people to interact and collaborate locally and globally in completely new ways.

Professor Jeffrey Johnson, OU (2006)


Complexity….

A system is complex if it consists of autonomous units (Actors, Players, Agents) each pursuing own goal in a strong interaction with each other

The interaction can be competitive, cooperative or a combination of the two

Goals of individual players may or may not be disclosed to other players.

Professor George Rzveski, Magenta Corp. (2006)


4D Design….

Alec Robertson 4D Dynamics Conference

1995

The dynamic form resulting from …

the design of the behaviour of artefacts and people in relation to each other and their environment.


art & design…..

4D Design : A new category for ‘design’in art&design?

Alec Robertson 4D Dynamics Conference

1995


applied performing arts…..?

Diagram in Robertson (2001) from Pine & Gilmore’s book The Experience Economy (1999).

The progression to 4D value can be expressed as a development of economics. In this example, we see the value of the raw material (coffee bean) provided, and the 3D artefacts used (cups etc.). This is followed by what I refer to as ‘applied performing arts’ - the delivery of the service of making though to the complex dynamics within the experience of drinking in a social setting.


Wicked, irreducible problems

Complex artificial/synthetic systems

High-level functionalities

Emergence, creativity

Intersection of design and complexity…

Theodore Zamenopoulos and Katerina Alexiou, CASA UCL (2005)


Linking design and complexity…Cyber-Erg is a metaphoric tool for assisting creativity.

The diagram shows the notion that human-artefact systems can evolve in physical and informational complexity.

Artefacts develop to a point when motive or information processing power is added.

At this point there is a choice for designers to aim for ‘erg-robots and cyb-robot’ or bionic-humans and ‘cyber-humans’. The latter increases human capabilities the former displaces them in favour of the artefact.

Alec Robertson. (1979)


Linking 4D design and complexity…

Starting with philosophical the world is moving from 3D to 4D :

The 3D World is predictable (deterministic = 3D) based on the “grand design” any uncertainty is due to our inability to understand it the future is given Aristotle, Kant, Newton, Einstein

Deterministic 3D forms of artefact of today, which are for example:

Static eg, Conventional cars, aircraft, enginesLinear eg. Conventional automated production linesDedicated eg. Conventional non-robotic toolsActive but not interactive eg. A clock

based upon presentation by George Rzveski at “More is More’, Magenta Corp. (2005)



The 4D world is inherently unpredictable (complex = 4D) evolves with time due to autocatalytic properties of some of its

elements evolution is irreversible and leads to an increase in complexity the future is under perpetual construction Buddha, Maxwell, Darwin, Popper, Prigogine

Complexity is a prerequisite for 4D form in artefacts with, for example:

Adaptation (complex system adapt to any external or internal unexpected change that disrupts its operation for better or worse )…

Resilience (complex systems are resilient to changes that represent a threat to their survival, eg, misuse, breakdowns)….

based upon presentation by George Rzveski at “More is More’, Magenta Corp. (2005)


Linking 4D complexity to ‘experience’

‘4D design’ creates the ‘complex dynamics’ necessary for people to ‘experience’ the ‘behaviours’ of artefacts and other people.


Real 4D products have 'dynamic' form in real or actual space and can be:

- and the way food is served in restaurants eg. McDonalds vs The Ritz. - through to 'customer care' systems in hotels, eg. a motel vs a Hilton - to the exotic mind products of New-Age enthusiasts ; or - from the dynamic lighting in a discotheque or office using control technology. - to the 'staging' of symposia, conferences and events like concerts; - from the Fire Alarm that shouts ”walk more quickly, FIRE on the first floor" - to the Sony AIBO dog and 'talking' lift with 'personality', - from the 'smart' clothing with embedded health and mood monitoring, - responsive solar heat collectors that create imaginative visual effects on buildings

etc.

Virtual 4D products have 'dynamic' form in cyber- space and can be: - computer games - internet chat rooms etc.


Alec Robertson. (1995)


Exhibition Complex Embrace

Installation, Animation by Damian GascoigneJeff Johnson, OU, Anne Creigh-Tyte, Kingston

Stanley Picker Gallery, Kingston

Creation of artefact for communication

of complexity concepts Collaboration between science and art Complexity in art creation and

the question of ownership The role of error and randomness

Knowledge transfer“ECiD Cluster” included non-conventional ways of knowledge transfer with more empathy to art& design.


Exhibition & Symposium: 16/17 Dec 2005“More is More”: Finale Event

Co-convenors: Alec Robertson, De Monfort University & Jeff Johnson, OU

Host: RCA Society, London.

Create links with design practitioners Showcase achievements of cluster Experiment with exhibition format

for dissemination of research.

Knowledge transfer“More is More” was designed to focus upon non-conventional ways of knowledge transfer with more empathy to art& design.


http://www.dmu.ac.uk/4dd/DDR5/

Knowledge transfer“More is More” Online proceedings were designed for more empathy with art&design. They include video clips, and PowerPoint Shows

“More is More”: On-line proceedings:

Webmaster: Alec Robertson

Host: De Montfort University, London.

Create links with design practitioners Showcase achievements of cluster Experiment with visual webpage format

for dissemination of research.


Synergy Synthesis Synaesthetic

s

Three key words as key to complexity in art&design from “More is More’:


My insights from “More is More” - a need for more:

visual modelling and representation of ‘complexity’ to reach all designers

exemplars in designs of self-organising artefacts to show designers,

best practice for interaction of artists, designers and others.

linking complexity and creativity in design to maximise designing.

experimental work on the impact of design and art in the formation of complexity science to demonstrate synergy.

dissemination of research using non-traditional means of knowledge transfer.


My design….research questions from “More is More”…

What kind of responsive objects can be designed? What kind of applied performances can be designed? What kind of information behaviours can be designed for

multimedia? What kind of new people-centred organisations can be designed? Can 4D dynamics help to create a more sustainable designs? How can designers put together new experiences using

‘complexity’ and recommend themselves to clients? How can the methods of complex systems science inform

designers, and How can design, as a science of the artificial, inform research into

complex systems? Where are 4D designers likely to be educated and trained?


‘there is a need to look beyond the obvious and use ‘imagination’ to create a better world’.


References:Zamenopoulos, Theodore and Alexiou, Katerina,(2005) in

‘More is More- Embracing Complexity in Design’ Symposium. 16/17 Dec 2005. Royal College of Art, London. Procs. at www.dmu.ac.uk/4dd/DDR5/

Robertson, Alec. (1979) “Microprocessor Application: Some implications for Industrial Design. Unpublished Masters degree Thesis, Department of Design Research, RCA.London.

Robertson, Alec. (1995) “4D Design Futures: Some Concepts and Complexities” .in Procs. 4D Dynamics Conference on Design & Research Methodologies for Dynamic Form', Ed. Alec Robertson. De Montfort University, Leicester. (1996) ISBN 1857211308.

Robertson, Alec. (2001) ROBERTSON, Alec. & WOUDHUYSEN, James. 4D Design: Applied Performance in the Experience Economy". Paper in Body Space & Technology on-line Journal. Vol. 1, No 1. Brunel University at http://people.brunel.ac.uk/bst/vol0101/index.html.

Rzevski, George. (2005) in ‘More is More- Embracing Complexity in Design’ Symposium. 16/17 Dec 2005. Royal College of Art, London. Procs. at www.dmu.ac.uk/4dd/DDR5/

THANK YOU

Documents

‘More is More’ Symposium: some reflections Alec Robertson Faculty of Art & Design De Montfort University [email protected]