2.2.3.3. Problem solving: Science, technology and design context
‘What characterises the (scientific) theory is that it is offered as a solution to a scientific problem’ (K. Popper) [120]
Problem solving has a long tradition in science and technology as clearly defined by Popper. Kuhn refers to the Puzzle Solving approach, as the main motivator for engineering practice. The puzzle or problem solving approach reflects the ‘normal’ science methodology as mentioned by Kuhn[121]. Kuhn draws a parallel between established research fields and this narrow or detailed approach. Established research fields use reductive approaches to build new facts based upon existing knowledge, so the domain gets tinier and more detailed as more work is done in that field. As a side effect, this tunnelled research leaves no space for an extended or wider (social) context and therefore reduces the options for collaboration with other (non-scientific) disciplines.
Problem solving can be found in other practices, in particular engineering and design disciplines have in common the fact that they use a 'problem solving' approach. In theory, the tunnelled approach in technological fields reduces the application domain to filter out the noise to reach the 'true', clearly defined and solvable problem at stake. In practice however, the researcher often abstracts away from all the complicating problems, solves the abstract problem and then claims the result is generally applicable. The research is strictly directed to solve the problem; the focus is on the final development and thus the research can be labelled as ‘applied’.
The Bauhaus motivates the unified art, design and architecture disciplines as a solution for a social problem. As a major representative of its generation, the Bauhaus claims to be conscious of the potential of art as something fully involved in life, which could restore ‘grace and order to society’[122]. Major social issues in the new industrial era were, however, mainly approached from a design and urban planning point of view, and reflected a practical problem solving approach. In their investigation on collaboration between artists and technicians, Candy and Edmonds[123] acknowledge the relevance of information from the design field due to its overlap with digital art. They state that in design practice, one can distinguish two approaches; the problem solving or the solution-led approach, where collaborators narrow the application domain to reduce the noise around the problem, and the holistic approach. In contrast to the reductive approach, the holistic approach takes the context and multiple views constantly into account that can cause shifts in objectives. According to Candy and Edmonds, unforeseen complications arise when a changing goal and additional constraints are brought in during the design process when working with a problem solving approach.
