ABSTRACT
A model of the structure of design problems is introduced. This has three-dimensions. The first of these, ‘generators’, is introduced. We find that design problems or constraints can be generated by clients, users, designers themselves and legislators. These tend to have different characteristics and these are discussed with examples. The notion of a communications gap between users and designers is introduced and its implications are explored.
The second dimension of the design problem model is ‘domain’ and this has already been introduced in the previous chapter. Constraints can be internal to the design situation or external. These two impact on the process in different ways and this is discussed. External constraints were introduced in the previous chapter as a way of starting to design.
