A theory-based approach to supporting design decision making and problem solving

The design of complex systems is considered with the goal of developing comprehensive design support systems. Alternative characterizations of design are evaluated in terms of their abilities to represent design decision making and problem solving in design situations where many issues and people influence the function and form of the design product. It is concluded that information access and utilization is the common denominator among the many issues and people. This leads to a theory of decision making and problem solving that characterizes design as a process of asking questions and pursuing answers within the representational context of a three-dimensional ‘design space’. Results of a scenario-based evaluation of the theory are reported. The implications of the theory for the nature of design support are discussed.