An introduction to design methods

'Design methods' emerged as a subject of study and intended practical application in the early nineteen-sixties. It is therefore still a young, immature and rather precocious subject; although according to some commentators its short life is already over. My purpose here is not to undertake an autopsy, nor even a vivisection, but to review the subject for the benefit of students and others who might want to catch up on a major aspect of design theory of the last twenty years. Whether the 'movement' is now alive or dead there are many still-relevant outcomes from it. As well as reviewing the history of the 'movement', I shall include some examples of the use and application of design methods.