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4 Types of Critical Design

 , July 05, 2018 updated on February 24, 2023
Critical design is the development of non-obvious design concepts that challenge the status quo. This can be used to provoke new ideas for systems, products and services. Critical designs aren't typically useful or commercially viable but may serve to inspire a leap forward in value with completely new ideas. The following are common types of critical design.

Fiction

Fiction often inspires the future. Critical design may take the form of a story or media presentation that challenges base assumptions about the present, past or future. For example, a critical design could use counterfactual thinking to tell a story of how history would have unfolded without the presence of fossil fuels on the planet.

Speculation

Speculating about the future. This can involve projections based on current trends or suggesting that current trends are about to suddenly end or reverse. Speculation can also involve thought experiments such as how the future will view current designs.

Models

Developing theories and models that challenge design conventions. For example, suggesting a completely new method to capture holograms that would improve quality if it could be implemented. As a design concept, implementation details can be completely omitted such that the design may be impossible or have disadvantages that would become clear to implementers.

Prototypes

Critical designs may be developed as prototypes that are typically designed to challenge assumptions as opposed to a typical prototype that is intended to be a potential product. For example, an interior design that challenges conventional forms and design principles.
Overview: Critical Design
Type
Definition
The development of non-obvious design concepts that challenge the status quo.
Attributed to
Anthony Dunne’s book Hertzian Tales (1999)
Also Known As
Related Concepts
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