Putting context into design

Abstract

There are an increasing number of methods for using context in design. Unfortunately these methods are strong on the collection of contextual data but weak on ways to use the data in design. Furthermore, current methods sttffer from bias which constrains the type of data collected by designers as well as the ways the data can be put to use. However, rather than eliminate these biases, we propose that designers should exploit them. This paper argues that this can be achieved by facilitating the creation of explicit links between the human context and the design specification and that this requires computer based support. Without such links, the use of context will be unsystematic and, potentially, ineffective.