Argumentation, rationality and logic in design

This project is an exploration of design cognition (aiming at producing background knowledge for the development of computerized design support tools). A logic-based method of analysis has been developed in order to study the nature of design rationalization arguments. The method was applied to empirical data and yielded insights into (1) tacit background knowledge behind design decisions, (2) the importance of context in design decisionmaking, and (3) logical inference patterns underlying rationalization of design decisions. An investigation into a formal logic that might systematize such patterns has been conducted, and a formalization has been proposed in terms of modal operators defined in terms of quantifiers 'all', 'most' and 'some'. Project closed.