From Theory of Design to Theory for Design
From Theory of Design to Theory for Design
StatusVoR
Alternative title
Authors
Wszołek, Mariusz
Monograph
Yeditepe University Faculty of Fine Arts 1st International Symposium on Art and Design: Culture, Art And Design in The Near Future
Monograph (alternative title)
Editor
Kaya, Gülveli
Ergen, Burcu Ayan
Karapınar, Demet
Onat, Cem
Date
2026-03-04
Place of publication
Publisher
Yeditepe University Press
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Pages
34-42
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ISBN
978-975-307-170-3
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Abstract PL
Abstract EN
This paper proposes a theory for design as an alternative to constructing a universal theory of design. Design is presented not as an abstract construct but as a pragmatic process of problem-solving, transforming existing situations into preferred ones through communicative offers—artefacts, systems, and practices that orient humans within their social and environmental contexts.
Grounded in constructivist epistemology (Maturana, Varela, von Foerster, von Glasersfeld), the argument treats cognition as an individual, non-transferable process of meaning-making, while communication provides the mechanism linking these cognitive worlds. Following Luhmann and Fleischer, communication is seen as self-reproducing, generating society as a system of repeated and connectable interactions. Design thus appears as a communicative practice: stimulating cognition, offering products
for meaning negotiation, and shaping social reproduction. Examples such as the redesign of signage in transport hubs show that design extends beyond artefacts, initiating processes of adaptation, critique, and meaning reproduction. Every design is ultimately a design of communication, raising strategic questions of what, how, to whom, and when to communicate.
The paper argues that “effective communication” is an operative fiction: useful for practice yet impossible to guarantee. Accordingly, design cannot directly steer social change but creates conditions for awareness and collective negotiation of meanings. A theory for design provides a neutral, knowledge-based framework for intentional, communication-oriented practices, placing the human being and their environment at the center.
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
Design theory
Communication Design
Theory for design
Design studies
Design doctrines
Communication science
Communication Design
Theory for design
Design studies
Design doctrines
Communication science
Keywords other
Conference edition name
I. International art and design symposium: Culture, Art and Design in the Near Future
Conference place
Aralık
Start date
2025-12-05
Finish date
2025-12-06
Sustainable Development Goals
Exhibition title
Place of exhibition (institution)
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Organisational Unit
Wydział Prawa i Komunikacji Społecznej we Wrocławiu
Instytut Projektowania
Instytut Projektowania
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3Acquisition Date12.03.2026
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2Acquisition Date12.03.2026