On the conceptual framework of John Gero's FBS-model and the prescriptive aims of design methodology

Published Date
March 2007, Vol.28(2):133–157, doi:10.1016/j.destud.2006.11.001

Author 

• Pieter E. Vermaas ^a,,

• aDepartment of Philosophy, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands

• Kees Dorst ^b

• bFaculty of Design, Architecture and Building, Sydney University of Technology, Australia Department of Industrial Design, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Available online 26 December 2006. 

In this paper we consider the Function–Behaviour–Structure model of designing in the version as developed by John Gero and collaborators. We identify two problems: the absence of a stable definition of function, and the model's double aim of describing actual designing and prescribing improved designing. These problems are not unique to the body of work we are addressing here; they are general problems that design methodologists have been struggling with in the last forty years. We argue that philosophy may help addressing them: it may fix a definition of function and illustrates how descriptive and prescriptive modelling can be distinguished and connected.

Keywords

design methodology

design models

design knowledge

descriptive and prescriptive modeling

philosophy of design

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  Corresponding author: Pieter E. Vermaas.

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