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Contextualising
Contextualising the field of enquiry
This section serves as an introduction to your studio knowledge object. It outlines the particular field of design practice or inquiry investigated in the studio. The design field needs to be described with enough detail to give a non-expert reader a good understanding of the key issues and approaches that your insights relate to.
The context outlines:
the focus of the design field or studio
the aims and intent of this field of practice
the key thinkers, practitioners, methods and approaches
Examples
The context paragraph acts as an introduction to the key themes of investigation in the studio. This example of student writing provides a guide to the structure and language of a context paragraph.
Expand each example and click the buttons to explore the different features of the writing.
Questions
What field of practice does the studio investigate?
What is the intent of this field of practice?
What are the key approaches/methods and who are the key thinkers in this field of practice?
What are the implications of these for design practice (yours/others)?
Example paragraph structure
The studio, Shaping Nature Experiences, is an introduction to the field of interpretive environment design. This is a rapidly changing field; the complexity and range of techniques and subject areas involved in the process of designing an exhibition makes this a dynamic and intriguing discipline. Exhibition design, or interpretive environment design, is a multi-disciplinary field that involves the interweaving of many different elements of media and communications to provide transformative experiences for visitors (Bayer 1961). The field of interpretive environment design is distinguished by three main themes - designing for learning and play, immersion and interactivity. As a designer, and potentially as a future art director, I am conscious that memorable, effective and impactful interpretive environments can offer experiences that engage and enrich visitors' lives, and are a means of changing their perception of the world.
Features
Generally context paragraphs describe the field of practice in the present
Use 'I', 'me' or 'my' to demonstrate your personal and subjective response
Example paragraph
The studio, Shaping Nature Experiences, is an introduction to the field of interpretive environment design. This is a rapidly changing field; the complexity and range of techniques and subject areas involved in the process of designing an exhibition makes this a dynamic and intriguing discipline. Exhibition design, or interpretive environment design, is a multi-disciplinary field that involves the interweaving of many different elements of media and communications to provide transformative experiences for visitors (Bayer 1961). The field of interpretive environment design is distinguished by three main themes - designing for learning and play, immersion and interactivity. As a designer, and potentially as a future art director, I am conscious that memorable, effective and impactful interpretive environments can offer experiences that engage and enrich visitors' lives, and are a means of changing their perception of the world.
Structure
Questions to ask:
- What field of practice does the studio investigate? (Context)
- What is the intent of this field of practice? (Aim/intent)
- What are the key approaches/methods and who are the key thinkers in this field of practice? (Approaches/thinkers)
- What are the implications of these for design practice (yours/others)? (Implications)
[Context] The studio, Shaping Nature Experiences, is an introduction to the field of interpretive environment design. [End context] [Aim/intent] This is a rapidly changing field; the complexity and range of techniques and subject areas involved in the process of designing an exhibition makes this a dynamic and intriguing discipline. [End aim/intent] [Approaches/thinkers] Exhibition design, or interpretive environment design, is a multi-disciplinary field that involves the interweaving of many different elements of media and communications [End approaches/thinkers] [Aim/intent] to provide transformative experiences for visitors [End aim/intent] (Bayer 1961). [Approaches/thinkers] The field of interpretive environment design is distinguished by three main themes - designing for learning and play, immersion and interactivity. [End approaches/thinkers] [Implications] As a designer, and potentially as a future art director, I am conscious that memorable, effective and impactful interpretive environments can offer experiences that engage and enrich visitors' lives, and are a means of changing their perception of the world. [End implications]
Language features
Features
- Use ‘I’ to demonstrate your personal and subjective response to the field of practice
- Generally context paragraphs describe the field of practice in the present
The studio, Shaping Nature Experiences, is an introduction to the field of interpretive environment design. This is a rapidly changing field; the complexity and range of techniques and subject areas involved in the process of designing an exhibition [Present] makes this a dynamic and intriguing discipline. Exhibition design, or interpretive environment design, [Present] is a multi-disciplinary field that involves the interweaving of many different elements of media and communications to provide transformative experiences for visitors (Bayer 1961).The field of interpretive environment design [Present] is distinguished by three main themes - designing for learning and play, immersion and interactivity. As a designer, and potentially as a future art director, [Present] I am conscious that memorable, effective and impactful interpretive environments can offer experiences that engage and enrich visitors' lives, and are a means of changing their perception of the world.
Questions
What field of practice does the studio investigate?
What is the intent of this field of practice?
What are the key approaches/methods and who are the key thinkers in this field of practice?
What are the implications of these for design practice (yours/others)?
Example paragraph structure
This studio, Design for social change: climate change and food security, looks at the social role and ethical practices of communication design. Social change is a major influence on professional communication design as design can help to connect people to global issues which appear incredibly complex. This design field is human-centred; it requires in-depth research on people and issues that affect them, as well the people who can help. Mapping, creating archetype categories, observing case studies and the six spheres tool help designers to form strategies that are realistic and empathetic. Finally, the presentation from Studio Thick encompassed everything we’ve learnt in this studio and how these skills are implemented in the industry today. All of this helped me develop a deeper, personal understanding of the strategy which I felt was conveyed in my final presentation. My new understanding of socially responsible and sustainable service design will be used in my future practice.
Features
Generally context paragraphs describe the field of practice in the present
Context paragraphs may also describe the future use of your learning from this field of practice.
Use 'I', 'me' or 'my' to demonstrate your personal and subjective response
Example paragraph
This studio, Design for social change: climate change and food security, looks at the social role and ethical practices of communication design. Social change is a major influence on professional communication design as design can help to connect people to global issues which appear incredibly complex. This design field is human-centred; it requires in-depth research on people and issues that affect them, as well the people who can help. Mapping, creating archetype categories, observing case studies and the six spheres tool help designers to form strategies that are realistic and empathetic. Finally, the presentation from Studio Thick encompassed everything we’ve learnt in this studio and how these skills are implemented in the industry today. All of this helped me develop a deeper, personal understanding of the strategy which Ifelt was conveyed in my final presentation. My new understanding of socially responsible and sustainable service design will be used in my future practice.
Structure
Questions to ask:
- What field of practice does the studio investigate? (Context)
- What is the intent of this field of practice? (Aim/intent)
- What are the key approaches/methods and who are the key thinkers in this field of practice? (Approaches/thinkers)
- What are the implications of these for design practice (yours/others)? (Implications)
[Context] This studio, Design for social change: climate change and food security, looks at the social role and ethical practices of communication design. [End context] [Aim/intent] Social change is a major influence on professional communication design as design can help to connect people to global issues which appear incredibly complex. This design field is human-centred; it requires in-depth research on people and issues that affect them, as well the people who can help. [End aim/intent] [Approaches/thinkers] Mapping, creating archetype categories, observing case studies and the six spheres tool help designers to form strategies that are realistic and empathetic. Finally, the presentation from Studio Thick encompassed everything we’ve learnt in this studio and how these skills are implemented in the industry today. [End approaches/thinkers] [Implications] All of this helped me develop a deeper, personal understanding of the strategy which I felt was conveyed in my final presentation. My new understanding of socially responsible and sustainable service design will be used in my future practice. [End implications]
Language features
Features
- Use ‘I’ to demonstrate your personal and subjective response to the field of practice
- Generally context paragraphs describe the field of practice in the present
- Context paragraphs may also describe the future use of your learning from this field of practice
This studio, Design for social change: climate change and food security, looks at the social role and ethical practices of communication design. [Present] Social change is a major influence on professional communication design as design can help to connect people to global issues which appear incredibly complex. [Present] This design field is human-centred; it requires in-depth research on people and issues that affect them, as well the people who can help. Mapping, creating archetype categories, observing case studies and the six spheres tool help designers to form strategies that are realistic and empathetic. Finally, the presentation from Studio Thick encompassed everything we’ve learnt in this studio and [Present] how these skills are implemented in the industry today. All of this helped me develop a deeper, personal understanding of the strategy which I felt was conveyed in my final presentation. [Future use] My new understanding of socially responsible and sustainable service design will be used in my future practice.
Questions
What field of practice does the studio investigate?
What is the intent of this field of practice?
What are the key approaches/methods and who are the key thinkers in this field of practice?
What are the implications of these for design practice (yours/others)?
Example paragraph structure
The Design for Social Change studio is to design for social innovation, reframing complex problems into practical outcomes that can be integrated into people's lives Working with Oxfam we have had the opportunity to explore complex systemic issues of climate change and food security through design and research. The field of practice explores how design can help make people understand how big problems are relevant to their daily lives. Approaches and methods used in this emerging field demonstrate ways to promote and support human-centred research and design using ethnography-research skills, and holistic and systems thinking. The studio includes case studies and presentations of social-oriented programs, businesses and NGOs. An 'impact design agency' like Studio Thick works with companies such as Telstra and the Commonwealth Bank that require sustainability and service design to meet their social and community responsibilities. This field of practice is a way to spread information, ideas and messages to contribute to shaping mentalities and making the world a better place to live. I hope the field continues to develop and become recognised as an actual pathway for designers in the future.
Features
Generally context paragraphs describe the field of practice in the present
Use 'I', 'me' or 'my' to demonstrate your personal and subjective response
Example paragraph
The Design for Social Change studio is to design for social innovation, reframing complex problems into practical outcomes that can be integrated into people's lives Working with Oxfam we have had the opportunity to explore complex systemic issues of climate change and food security through design and research. The field of practice explores how design can help make people understand how big problems are relevant to their daily lives. Approaches and methods used in this emerging field demonstrate ways to promote and support human-centred research and design using ethnography-research skills, and holistic and systems thinking. The studio includes case studies and presentations of social-oriented programs, businesses and NGOs. An 'impact design agency' like Studio Thick works with companies such as Telstra and the Commonwealth Bank that require sustainability and service design to meet their social and community responsibilities. This field of practice is a way to spread information, ideas and messages to contribute to shaping mentalities and making the world a better place to live. I hope the field continues to develop and become recognised as an actual pathway for designers in the future.
Structure
Questions to ask:
- What field of practice does the studio investigate? (Context)
- What is the intent of this field of practice? (Aim/intent)
- What are the key approaches/methods and who are the key thinkers in this field of practice? (Approaches/thinkers)
- What are the implications of these for design practice (yours/others)? (Implications)
[Context] The Design for Social Change studio is to design for social innovation, reframing complex problems into practical outcomes that can be integrated into people's lives Working with Oxfam we have had the opportunity to explore complex systemic issues of climate change and food security through design and research. [End context] [Aim/intent] The field of practice explores how design can help make people understand how big problems are relevant to their daily lives. [End aim/intent] [Approaches/thinkers] Approaches and methods used in this emerging field demonstrate ways to promote and support human-centred research and design using ethnography-research skills, and holistic and systems thinking. The studio includes case studies and presentations of social-oriented programs, businesses and NGOs. An 'impact design agency' like Studio Thick works with companies such as Telstra and the Commonwealth Bank that require sustainability and service design to meet their social and community responsibilities. [End approaches/thinkers] [Implications] This field of practice is a way to spread information, ideas and messages to contribute to shaping mentalities and making the world a better place to live. I hope the field continues to develop and become recognised as an actual pathway for designers in the future. [Implications]
Language features
Features
- Use ‘I’ to demonstrate your personal and subjective response to the field of practice
- Generally context paragraphs describe the field of practice in the present
- Context paragraphs may also describe the future use of your learning from this field of practice
[Present] The Design for Social Change studio is to design for social innovation, reframing complex problems into practical outcomes that can be integrated into people's lives Working with Oxfam we have had the opportunity to explore complex systemic issues of climate change and food security through design and research. [Present] The field of practice explores how design can help make people understand how big problems are relevant to their daily lives. Approaches and methods used in this emerging field [Present] demonstrate ways to promote and support human-centred research and design using ethnography-research skills, and holistic and systems thinking. The studio includes case studies and presentations of social-oriented programs, businesses and NGOs. An 'impact design agency' like Studio Thick works with companies such as Telstra and the Commonwealth Bank that require sustainability and service design to meet their social and community responsibilities. [Present] This field of practice is a way to spread information, ideas and messages to contribute to shaping mentalities and making the world a better place to live. [Present] I hope the field continues to develop and become recognised as an actual pathway for designers in the future.
Questions
What field of practice does the studio investigate?
What is the intent of this field of practice?
What are the key approaches/methods and who are the key thinkers in this field of practice?
What are the implications of these for design practice (yours/others)?
Example paragraph structure
This design studio, Shaping Nature Experiences, provides an advanced level of engagement in communication design for learning institutions like museums and zoos. This design field seeks to engage visitors through immersive and interactive environments and experiences, based on a constructivist theory of free-choice learning. The guiding principles of interpretation design are to engage, educate and inspire through carefully designed exhibitions. The field of interpretation design is guided by these principles and employs a myriad of overlapping strategies and frameworks. These target exhibition narrative, communication aims and their effectiveness, audience needs, degrees of interaction, and approaches to learning. The frameworks of Falk, Dierking and Adams (2007) aim at allowing the audience to contribute and to engage on multiple levels for an immersive and engaging experience and provide a basis for my design. As a designer I seek to apply the principles of free-choice learning to exhibition design in order to generate a partnership with the viewer and create a journey through the content that is open to broad as well as individual responses.
Features
Generally context paragraphs describe the field of practice in the present
Use 'I', 'me' or 'my' to demonstrate your personal and subjective response
Example paragraph
This design studio, Shaping Nature Experiences, provides an advanced level of engagement in communication design for learning institutions like museums and zoos. This design field seeks to engage visitors through immersive and interactive environments and experiences, based on a constructivist theory of free-choice learning. The guiding principles of interpretation design are to engage, educate and inspire through carefully designed exhibitions. The field of interpretation design is guided by these principles and employs a myriad of overlapping strategies and frameworks. These target exhibition narrative, communication aims and their effectiveness, audience needs, degrees of interaction, and approaches to learning. The frameworks of Falk, Dierking and Adams (2007) aim at allowing the audience to contribute and to engage on multiple levels for an immersive and engaging experience and provide a basis for my design. As a designer I seek to apply the principles of free-choice learning to exhibition design in order to generate a partnership with the viewer and create a journey through the content that is open to broad as well as individual responses.
Structure
Questions to ask:
- What field of practice does the studio investigate? (Context)
- What is the intent of this field of practice? (Aim/intent)
- What are the key approaches/methods and who are the key thinkers in this field of practice? (Approaches/thinkers)
- What are the implications of these for design practice (yours/others)? (Implications)
[Context] This design studio, Shaping Nature Experiences, provides an advanced level of engagement in communication design for learning institutions like museums and zoos. [End context] [Aim/intent] This design field seeks to engage visitors through immersive and interactive environments and experiences, [End aim/intent] [Approaches/thinkers] based on a constructivist theory of free-choice learning. The guiding principles of interpretation design are to engage, educate and inspire through carefully designed exhibitions. The field of interpretation design is guided by these principles and employs a myriad of overlapping strategies and frameworks. These target exhibition narrative, communication aims and their effectiveness, audience needs, degrees of interaction, and approaches to learning. The frameworks of Falk, Dierking and Adams (2007) aim at allowing the audience to contribute and to engage on multiple levels for an immersive and engaging experience and provide a basis for my design. [End approaches/thinkers] [Implications] As a designer I seek to apply the principles of free-choice learning to exhibition design in order to generate a partnership with the viewer and create a journey through the content that is open to broad as well as individual responses. [End implications]
Language features
Features
- Use ‘I’ to demonstrate your personal and subjective response to the field of practice
- Generally context paragraphs describe the field of practice in the present
[Present] This design studio, Shaping Nature Experiences, [Present] provides an advanced level of engagement in communication design for learning institutions like museums and zoos. [Present] This design field seeks to engage visitors through immersive and interactive environments and experiences, based on a constructivist theory of free-choice learning. [Present] The guiding principles of interpretation design are to engage, educate and inspire through carefully designed exhibitions. [Present] The field of interpretation design is guided by these principles and employs a myriad of overlapping strategies and frameworks. These target exhibition narrative, communication aims and their effectiveness, audience needs, degrees of interaction, and approaches to learning. The frameworks of Falk, Dierking and Adams (2007) aim at allowing the audience to contribute and to engage on multiple levels for an immersive and engaging experience and provide a basis for my design. [Present] As a designer I seek to apply the principles of free-choice learning to exhibition design in order to generate a partnership with the viewer and create a journey through the content that is open to broad as well as individual responses.