Finalizing the diploma programming

The procedure for the Diploma in AHO, gives the opportunity to student s to correct almost up to the last moment their diploma programming (which will be the first introduction to the themes for the evaluators). So I took the chance to correct or clarify few things to my diploma programming. The title has already mentioned in the last post. Here I present the final hypothesis the aims and the final methodology.

Hypothesis

I submit that the childlike characteristics often found in product design can be illuminated through the biological phenomenon of pedomorphosis which stands for retention of childlike physical and behavioral traits by grown up humans. What I propose to call pedomorphosis in design (or: making products young) can be explored through focusing on design objects, design intentions, and the personality of designers.

The questions, which a hypothesis like that arise, point three directions:

- How is the phenomenon of pedomorphosis in design related to design objects, design intentions and the personality of designers?

-Why does pedomorphosis in product design exist at all?

-What do the pedomorphic elements stimulate and why is pedomorphosis important to product design?

Aims

The goal of this diploma is to develop in a first level approach to the phenomenon of pedomorphosis in design. It is not aiming to final statements or conclusions. The acquisition of knowledge, data and observations hopefully can be used as a casebook for further personal investigations and also as useful tool for other designers with interest on the topic.

Methodology

I have chosen to work with observations, categorizations, and mapping.
Observation phase will continue during the whole semester with the help of:

- existing bibliography on design product history and morphology
- used as a casebook
- popular journalistic articles
- web search on blogs, forums and websites
- a workshop with design students
- a study trip to Disneyland
- attendance of lectures and seminars on Evolution Theories (if possible in the area of Oslo)

The categorizations of the products will be based on form, color, material, proportions, names and contex, which will be interpreted in analogy with the physical and behavioral pedomorphic traits in humans.

The mapping will consist of the development of pedomorphosis in the general field of design including design objects, the design intentions and the personalities. The mapping aims to present the broadness of the phenomenon

Here it is important to mention that due to the cross disciplinary nature of the phenomenon and the limited time reserved for writing of the Master Thesis, an extensive review of the phenomenon will not be possible and findings and investigations of the other disciplines that involve to the phenomenon will remain on the level of reference.