Design and Science Fiction.pdf

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Beyond the Wall:
an
investigation into the
relationship between industrial
design and science fiction
A Thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the
requirement of the degree of Master of Design
Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
Lyn Karena Garrett
2006
Abstract
The study aimed to develop a theory describing the nature of the relationship between
industrial design and science fiction, based on the observation that science fiction can
inspire industrial designers and enrich industrial design processes and products. The
hypotheses were that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The roles of industrial design and science fiction are based on parallel ideas.
Industrial design is suffused with, and sympathetic to, science fiction thinking.
There is a ‘cause and effect’ relationship between aspects of industrial design and
science fiction. Science fiction cinema is a key ‘cause and effect’.
Science fiction cinema performs a key function in the roles of science fiction, and
cinema can be employed to explore and discuss the roles of industrial design and
science fiction.
The study used a range of research methods. An extensive literature review critically
compared and analysed the characteristics and roles of science fiction and industrial
design. The analysis identified contrasting and common themes, ideas, processes,
texts and subtexts between the two areas. The findings were further analysed using
graphic analytical tools, to form models that described and structured the industrial
design/science fiction relationship. Three case studies were used to further test the
model: the work of industrial designer and visual futurist Syd Mead; science fiction
author Bruce Sterling; and the industrial design and production design content of
selected science fiction films. Analysis of an Internet discussion among industrial
designers also illuminated the model.
The findings from the analysis and the case studies supported the validity of the
original hypotheses. The study identified as the key elements of an emerging theory the
parallel ideas of innovation in industrial design and novum (the new thing) in science
fiction; the cause and effect relationship found between the two disciplines; the parallel
concepts of
mediation
and
responsibility
in industrial design, and
anticipation
and
interrogation
in science fiction. The theory was presented as a graphic model that
demonstrated these elements.
This study concludes that science fiction challenges the design profession to produce
better design by requiring that social, political, and technological contexts in which
products will exist are explicitly understood and addressed. This is mapped out in an
emerging theory that outlines a complex, multi-layered relationship between industrial
design and science fiction. In industrial design terms, this emerging theory could be
considered a prototype.
ii
Acknowledgements
Dedication
To Robert Tocher (1947-1999) who I hope would have
been proud of me, and to Dr. Ephra Garrett, who I know is.
Family
Linden Loader, Duncan and Chloe Garrett, Keriata Stuart, Dr. Ephra Garrett.
Friends
Mark Harris, Susan Pryor, John Wells, Syd Mead, Gill Matthewson,
Tommy Honey, Dr. Andrew Leach, and Karl Wixon (who started it all off).
Massey University College of Creative Arts staff
Supervisors:
Dr. Leong Yap, Geoff Hargreaves, Dr. Anders Warell, and
Dr. Duncan Joiner.
Colleagues who deserve a special thank-you:
Professor Tony Parker,
Rodney Adank, Peter Fraser, David Jones, Wendy Smith, Brandon Syme,
Roy Parkhurst, Julieanna Preston, and Dr. Jon Allen.
To those Massey University Industrial Design students and
graduates those who have heard and understood
Brendan Heffernan, Helena Webster, Shelly Farrell, David Pearse, and
Mike Whittaker.
iii
Table of Contents
Title Page
Abstract
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents
List of Figures and Tables
Glossary
Science fiction works used as examples in the text
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
x.
xviii.
xxi.
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
Introduction
Inspiration
Introduction to the chapter
Hypothesis
The relevance of the study
Why is the study titled ‘Beyond the Wall’?
Why am I undertaking this study?
1.6.1
1.6.2
1.6.3
Personal statement
Chance discussion
Reflection
1
2
3
3
5
6
7
7
9
9
11
14
16
16
16
17
18
19
1.7
1.8
1.9
How did the study unfold?
Study questions
Global issues that underlie the study
1.9.1
1.9.2
1.9.3
Industrial design as a filter
Directions for research
Key study issues
1.10
1.11
Structure
Summary
iv
2.0
2.1
2.2
Research Methods
Introduction to the chapter
Research method selection
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
Opportunities
Study questions and research methods
Design research
Ethics issues in this study
Literature review: introduction
Analytical tools
What is the value of case studies?
How were the case studies chosen?
21
22
22
22
23
26
26
27
27
28
28
28
30
30
2.3
Data gathering / analytical methods
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.4
Case studies
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4
Summary
3.0
3.1
3.2
Industrial Design
Introduction to the chapter
Literature review
3.2.1
3.2.2
Introduction to literature review
Key texts
Scope
Levels
Definitions
Themes
32
33
34
34
35
39
39
47
48
48
50
51
54
54
56
57
59
59
62
67
68
3.3
What is industrial design?
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.4
Defining industrial design
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.5
3.6
History and development
‘Good’ industrial design
3.6.1
3.6.2
3.6.3
What is good design?
Context
Design classics
Product
Process
Activity
Profession
3.7
Themes and issues in industrial design
3.7.1
3.7.2
3.7.3
3.7.4
v

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