Design methods for sustainable production systems

A research group at Wageningen University developed a design approach in which Science and Technology Studies (STS) and engineering design converge in one interdisciplinary approach. Converging STS and engineering design is not self-evident. STS deconstructs technology development and considers technology and society as a two-foldness. Engineering design actively constructs new technologies, and thereby deliberately separates the intended technology from its (social) context. However, engineering design has troubles gearing technology to a complex and rapidly changing society. STS insights about technology development and the two-foldness of technology and society seem to be of value for engineering design, but those insights have a completely different origin and function than engineering design methods. STS is about the meaning of technologies, and engineering design about the function of technologies.

The research project focuses on the question whether the two-foldness STS describes can be inserted in engineering design, and how this can be done. A design project is studied,called Varkansen, in which several stakeholders work together on the design of sustainable pig husbandry systems, following the interdisciplinary design approach.