How To Make Materials Data Systems Useful for Designers

Abstract

The success of the use of computer-based technologies varies in different domains. For example they are more successful in areas where routines are clearly defined,such as in administration, but are not so successful in complex human areas such as social security and general medical diagnosis. Such problems of human complexity apply also to the use of data systems by designers in industry solving materials problems. One of the probems is that of knowledge representation. However, it is proposed that there is a meta-problem — “true” dialogue can never occur between the sceptics and the proponents of computerized complex knowledge-based systems. The different interpretations of tacit knowledge and the role it plays in technical design and medical diagnosis are discussed. The image that designers of systems have of users is short-sighted. It is important to make sure that humans are made visible in their human context. This can be achieved by looking at different kinds of, and models of, knowledge. There are problems of knowledge structures, differing perceptions, traditions, values, and identification of actors and power. There is a discussion on the possibility of using the medium of metaphors as a remedy, and some recommendations for action are provided.