Rachel Cooper

Mike Press

How are we to understand the changing role of design and designers in the new age of consumer experience? Drawing on perspectives from cultural studies, design management, marketing, new product development and communications theory, The Design Experience explores the contexts, practices and roles of designers in today's world, providing an accessible introduction to the key issues reshaping design. The book begins by analysing how consumers acquire meaning and identity from product and other experiences made possible by design. It then explores issues of competitiveness, innovation and management in the context of industry and commerce. If designers are creators of human experiences, what does this mean for their future role in culture and commerce? Subsequent chapters look at new ways in which designers conduct user research and how designers should communicate about design and decision-making with key stakeholders. The authors conclude with a discussion of the design 'profession': will that label be a help or hindrance for tomorrow's designer? Written for students of design, design management, cultural and business studies, The Design Experience is also of interest to practitioners of design, marketing and management. Illustrated case study material is integrated into the text, and the book also includes a glossary, and extensive references.

The Role of Design and Designers in the Twenty-First Century

The Design Experience

Rachel Davies-Cooper

UK Design lies between the worlds of culture and commerce, between passion and profit. Design is indeed a passion for things, offering methods that enable them to come into being. It follows that design should also aspire to a passion for the people who use these things, for their quality of life, their aspirations: a passion for betterment. The management of design is about fostering that passion and linking it to the fulfilment of corporate goals and profitability. The Design Agenda explains why it is necessary and how it can be done. This clearly written book: draws on the best methods to provide practical guidance on effective design management contains a unique resource guide to enable further study and research contains contemporary examples to illustrate the value of well managed design In combining practical advice with a theoretical overview the book represents an ideal introductory text for a range of design students and an excellent source of information to middle managers in retail and manufacturing industries.

Mike Press

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