Abstract
C-K theory is a unified Design theory and was first introduced in 2003 (Hatchuel and Weil 2003). The name “C-K theory” reflects the assumption that Design can be modelled as the interplay between two interdependent spaces with different structures and logics: the space of concepts (C) and the space of knowledge (K). Both pragmatic views of Design and existing Design theories define Design as a dynamic mapping process between required functions and selected structures. However, dynamic mapping is not sufficient to describe the generation of new objects and new knowledge which are distinctive features of Design. We show that C-K theory captures such generation and offers a rigorous definition of Design. This is illustrated with an example: the design of Magnesium-CO2 engines for Mars explorations. Using C-K theory we also discuss Braha and Reich’s topological structures for design modelling (Braha and Reich 2003). We interpret this approach as special assumptions about the stability of objects in space K. Combining C-K theory and Braha and Reich’s models opens new areas for research about knowledge structures in Design theories. These findings confirm the analytical and interpretative power of C-K theory.
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Notes
A proposition is qualified as “undecidable” relative to the content of a space K if it is not possible to prove that this proposition is true or false in K. The notion of undecidability is well defined in number theory and in computing science (Turing’s undecidability theorem).
This case was developed using C-K theory by our student Michael Salomon during his Major course for the engineering degree at Ecole des Mines de Paris in collaboration with CNRS-LCSR. His work contributed to the material published in Shafirovich et al. (2003).
For example usual major premises in syllogism as “all humans are mortal”.
The rejection of the axiom of foundation was not mentioned in Hatchuel and Weil (2003). It was suggested to us by our student Mathieu le Bellac in his minor dissertation for the Master in management (MODO) at Université Dauphine.
It should be noted that subtracting an attribute is equivalent to adding the negation of this attribute.
The acronym CDP is not mentioned by the authors, but is used here for the sake of concision.
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Hatchuel, A., Weil, B. C-K design theory: an advanced formulation. Res Eng Design 19, 181–192 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00163-008-0043-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00163-008-0043-4