Use of Service Design Pattern Language to Support Learning and Practice in Design Project

This research is a practical application of service design combined with Pattern language theory, aimed at assisting individuals who are not design experts in undertaking design projects. Study’s aim is to reveal the effects of Pattern Language. In the VUCA society, every individual will be required to address problems that lack a clear solution, so called ‘Wicked Problems’. Against this backdrop, designer-like approach is more widespread to respond to such problem. Since ‘Wicked problem’ involves many stakeholders, significant aspect of design project is collaboration. Also, in the context of co-design, there is a demand for non-experts to participate in design process to manage with ‘Wicked problem’. However, it is difficult for beginners to exhibit design behavior during collaboration in design project without an appropriate guide. Especially in Japan, loss of purpose and inactivation of discussions due to ‘lack of knowledge’, and ‘free riders’ problem have been identified as issues in group work tasks. Therefore, there is a demand for support that enables beginners to exhibit design behavior autonomously in design projects. To resolve this issue, this study examines the potential of 'Service Design Pattern Language' as a method to assist non-design experts. The effects brought about by incorporating Pattern Language into collaborative process of design work were thoroughly examined.