The Importance of Dialogues in Design
In this article, I will delve into the crucial role of dialogue in the design process. For the purpose of this piece, I am referring to the enduring outputs of human imagination and creativity that have spanned generations, as opposed to the outputs of consumer culture that are primarily driven by instant gratification and planned obsolescence.
The reason for excluding consumer culture outputs from this article lies in the hypothesis being explored. This hypothesis suggests that enduring design emerges from collective imagination, evolving gradually through social interactions and dialogue. Examples of such imaginative outputs within the scope of this article include cave paintings, architectural engravings, mythological tales, traditional cooking vessels, rituals, religious architecture, folk art and music, depictions of gods and goddesses, and the characterization of hero’s, demons and villains in folklore. By examining these diverse elements, we can better understand the role of social collaboration and shared imagination in shaping enduring designs throughout history.
Within the scope of this article, it is essential to consider both communication and interactions between people and their environment. This inclusion is based on the understanding that an individual’s curiosity, imagination, and synthesis of thoughts and emotions are shaped by their physical, social, and cultural surroundings. Embedded within their language lies their comprehension of history and environment, making it impossible to fully grasp a community’s language, beliefs, and creative outputs without understanding the context in which collective mental models are formed. By considering these external factors, we can gain deeper insight into the influences that shape the imagination and creative expression of a community.
Over the past three decades, my design research practice has revolved around ethnographic observations and global conversations with diverse individuals. Frequently, we accompanied clients into the homes of people from unfamiliar cultures, often holding preconceived notions about aesthetics, etiquette, organization, and efficiency. Our beliefs were consistently challenged by the misalignment we witnessed between our assumptions and the realities of others’ lived experiences.
This dissonance prompted me to question the reasons behind the differences between my own notions and the practices I observed. As I began to focus on conversations among people in unfamiliar cultures and demographics, it became evident that their concerns were driven by factors unfamiliar to me.
Throughout these encounters, our hosts were always hospitable and eager to engage in conversation. As a professional researcher, it was imperative to avoid coming across as an interrogator; instead, I aimed to participate as a curious and intuitive guest. This approach fostered a deeper understanding of the deeply held beliefs and contextual factors that influenced the thoughts, emotions, and beliefs of our hosts. Ultimately, the more effective I became at facilitating these social conversations, the more successful I was in encouraging imagination, creativity, and collaboration in addressing problems and finding creative solutions.
Over time, I also recognized the invaluable wisdom contained within the diverse spoken languages of the world. As communities cultivate an intimate understanding of their natural surroundings and cultural heritage, they develop unique words and proverbs to describe nuanced variations in their environment. For instance, coastal indigenous populations have developed extensive vocabulary and proverbs to describe ocean behavior, passed down through generations of observation. These words are typically absent from the lexicon of those living farther from the sea.
In light of this, I have learned to involve interpreters with local knowledge when conducting ethnographic studies, ensuring they are aware of the intricacies of people’s connections to their environment. Such individuals facilitate conscious and mindful participation in conversations, enriching our understanding of the topics, conditions, and sensitivities that arise within these cultural contexts.
Now, let’s examine the role of conversations in promoting creativity.
Imagine each participant in a conversation as an ingredient in a recipe, possessing a unique flavor and aroma with the potential to contribute to a delectable dish. In this analogy, a dialogue facilitator can be compared to a skilled chef – one who comprehends the essence of each ingredient and can create conditions for these components to interact with one another, ultimately blending and releasing their flavors into the dish. The combined flavor profile that emerges from the dialogue between ingredients exemplifies the power of conversation and the synthesis of ideas, ultimately leading to innovative and creative outcomes.
An ideal conversation is characterized by participants who are eager to listen and learn from one another. Strong opinions are expressed with civility, allowing a common ground to emerge gradually.
Engaging in dialogue doesn’t always necessitate the pursuit of a solution or an answer. As the Indian philosopher J. Krishnamurti states, “A dialogue is very important. It is a form of communication in which question and answer continue till a question is left without an answer.” The true power of an unanswered question lies in its ability to encourage curiosity and maintain an open mindset, creating an environment ripe for insights and fostering imaginative thinking.
The power of dialogue and conversation was exemplified during the Renaissance, particularly within the public sphere. These exchanges were instrumental in promoting intellectual curiosity, spurring creativity, and fostering the exchange of ideas. This period was characterized by an atmosphere of humanism and a revival of classical learning, which significantly emphasized communication, discussion, and debate, making dialogue an essential aspect of societal progress and growth.
Public spaces such as coffeehouses, salons, and academies became hubs for intellectuals to gather and engage in conversations. These dialogues often revolved around topics such as art, science, literature, politics, and philosophy. This exchange of ideas between individuals with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise contributed to the intellectual and creative growth of the Renaissance period.
Notable geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, among others, thrived in such environments, where they could discuss their works and ideas, receive feedback, and gain inspiration from their peers. These dialogues in the public sphere became a driving force behind the innovative and groundbreaking works of art, literature, science, and architecture that emerged during the Renaissance.
In emphasizing the significance of dialogue in the design process, my aim is to share a crucial realization: sustainable design is a gradual absorption of wisdom embedded within the social fabric of a community. By facilitating conversations, this wisdom can be uncovered, leading to a cascade of creative thinking and fostering a culture of continuous exploration and pursuit of possibilities within communities.
