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Sustainability in Community Building: Framing Design Thinking Using a Complex Adaptive Systems Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Tao Shen

    (College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

  • Chan Gao

    (Engineering College, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China)

Abstract

Complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory is acquiring mainstream recognition in sustainable community building. In this paper, we bring the applicability of CAS theory into sharper focus, highlighting its potential for integrating complexity and adaptivity of community into a structured body of knowledge while also providing a thought pattern for generating, implementing and validating new design ideas. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a framework of design thinking that uses a CAS perspective to aid designers in conceiving new community building design ideas efficiently. Next, this paper presents the results of a cognitive design experiment where functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and extended protocol analysis methods were combined to examine the validities of the proposed design thinking framework in community building. The results show that the Agent-Interaction-Adaptation (AIA) design thinking framework has the ability to promote designers’ extension of idea space, brain activation and idea quality in contrast to a traditional design thinking framework, but it did not significantly increase the designers’ idea quantity.

Suggested Citation

  • Tao Shen & Chan Gao, 2020. "Sustainability in Community Building: Framing Design Thinking Using a Complex Adaptive Systems Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:16:p:6679-:d:400529
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nicolas Debarsy & Stéphane Cordier & Cem Ertur & François Nemo & Déborah Nourrit-Lucas & Gérard Poisson & Christel Vrain, 2017. "Understanding Interactions in Complex Systems: toward a Science of Interactions," Post-Print hal-01799730, HAL.
    2. Julia P. A. Thienen & William J. Clancey & Giovanni E. Corazza & Christoph Meinel, 2018. "Theoretical Foundations of Design Thinking," Understanding Innovation, in: Hasso Plattner & Christoph Meinel & Larry Leifer (ed.), Design Thinking Research, pages 13-40, Springer.
    3. M. L. Rhodes, 2008. "Complexity and Emergence in Public Management," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(3), pages 361-379, May.
    4. Darren Nel & Chrisna du Plessis & Karina Landman, 2018. "Planning for dynamic cities: introducing a framework to understand urban change from a complex adaptive systems approach," International Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(3), pages 250-263, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pattarachit Choompol Gozzoli & Theerada Rongrat & Roberto Bruno Gozzoli, 2022. "Design Thinking and Urban Community Development: East Bangkok," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-25, March.

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