Propiedades de las representaciones en diseño: Una exploración interdisciplinaria de su rol funcional

An interdisciplinary repertoire of the properties of external representations in design such as sketches, is proposed to explore the functional role of such representations. The properties and functions of the representations are multiple. However, they are invariably studied from cognitive approaches or computational design reason why certain phenomena, important for different disciplines of design, are left out. Consequently, an interdisciplinary, descriptive and explanatory review of the literature is used to provide elements of response around the following three questions: what are representations in hard sciences and in design? What are their properties? And, what are their functions? Thus, basic elements about representations in design are established in the first place and, secondly, a repertoire of properties with an interdisciplinary approach, giving account of theoretical-empirical considerations and elaborating the definitions provided through multiple arguments based on different sciences and/or disciplines and in the practice of design, is built. In the third place, an explorative and correlational scheme on the relationship of these properties with the functions is proposed. And, finally, conclusions suggesting future research paths are offered. The way in which theories from different fields can be combined to develop a more comprehensive theory is suggested. The repertoire of properties can be useful for those who want to model the design process and its representations or for those researching the representation methods.