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of design may be created during the Post-design phase when the benefits (positive
aspects), and dangers or anxieties (negative aspects) caused by science and tech-
nology are recognized by society when they use the products.
1.3 Science and Technology, Products, and Society
To discuss the nature of design from the viewpoint of science and technology, we
must determine the relationships that exist among science and technology, prod-
ucts, and society.
First, the relationship that exists between products and society involves a process
in which products provide society with “service” and the products receive “inter-
pretations” (evaluation and requirements) provided by society. In this case, “ser-
vice” involves the mental contributions made to society through individuals'
expansion and recall of feelings (e.g., musical instruments), as well as physical
contributions made to society by increases in efficiency and safety (e.g., a car).
Second, the relationship between science and technology and products involves
a process in which products are provided with functions by science and technology,
and the products then return evaluations and requirements to science and technol-
ogy. In some cases, this kind of science and technology might be described as
“technology with a narrow view.” Alternatively, in many cases, the entirety of
science and technology and its products can be described as “technology.” Further-
more, the entirety of science and technology, products, and society can be described
as “technology with a wide view.” Figure
1.2
provides an illustration of the
relationships that exist among science and technology, products, and society. This
figure indicates that the role of products is to apply knowledge provided by science
and technology to society. The role of design is to create a bridge between science
and technology and society through the creation of products.
Fig. 1.2 Science and technology, products, and society
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