Enhanced Causation for Design

Abstract

This paper presents a philosophical overview for the field of design in general, and interaction design in particular. Based on the selected but important and influential philosophical theories, we argue for a hermeneutic position grounded in phenomenology. The popular view of Cartesianism is criticized due to its limitations, and the four causes of Aristotle are introduced to overcome those limitations regarding the academic demands of design. Phenomenology is presented as an alternative position. Thrown-ness into this world ('being in the world') is the basic assumption on, which any (interaction) design starts from a first person view to change our environment in a conscious and responsible manner.