Short answer
Recognize that a design's value and impact extend beyond its observable features and functional performance, stemming from an irreducible, inherent quality.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- CUNY Academic Works (City University of New York) (2020)
- Method
- Philosophical analysis and application
- Evidence
- Mixed findings
Musical compositions, like other objects, possess an irreducible essence that cannot be fully known or explained by their constituent parts or external influences. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in CUNY Academic Works (City University of New York). Using Philosophical analysis and application, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Recognize that a design's value and impact extend beyond its observable features and functional performance, stemming from an irreducible, inherent quality.
Object-Oriented Design: Unpacking the Irreducible Essence of Musical Works
Musical compositions, like other objects, possess an irreducible essence that cannot be fully known or explained by their constituent parts or external influences.
CUNY Academic Works (City University of New York) · 2020
Key Findings
- 01Real objects are 'withdrawn' and irreducible to their components or interactions.
- 02Aesthetic encounters, like listening to music, offer an indirect way to engage with an object's essence.
- 03Object-oriented ontology can enrich schema theory by emphasizing the irreducible nature of schemata and the interpretive moment between schema and event.
- 04Historical influence can be re-examined through the lens of how objects (composers, theories) interact indirectly.
Application
Design takeaway
Recognize that a design's value and impact extend beyond its observable features and functional performance, stemming from an irreducible, inherent quality.
How to apply
When evaluating a design, consider not just its usability and aesthetics, but also its inherent, perhaps ineffable, qualities that contribute to its overall presence and impact.
Project actions
- 01When analyzing existing designs, look for qualities that seem to transcend their stated purpose or materials.
- 02Consider how a design might have an impact or meaning that is not immediately obvious to the user.
Method & Evidence
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Offers a novel philosophical lens for design analysis.
- +Encourages deeper consideration of the objecthood of designed artifacts.
Limitations
It's difficult to measure or prove the 'withdrawn essence' of a design empirically.
Reliability & validity
The validity of applying object-oriented ontology to design is largely philosophical and interpretive, making traditional measures of reliability and validity difficult to apply directly. The strength of the argument relies on the coherence and persuasive power of the philosophical application.
Think critically
If a design's essence is 'withdrawn,' how can a designer intentionally shape or evoke that essence, rather than just its observable features?
Design Principles
"Design for the withdrawn essence: Acknowledge and respect the irreducible reality of a designed object, understanding that its full significance is indirectly experienced."
This perspective challenges designers to consider the inherent qualities of their creations beyond mere functionality or user interaction. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the 'thingness' of a design, suggesting that its impact stems from an internal reality that is only indirectly accessible.
What This Means for Your Design
Think of a song like a person: you can know their favorite color or what they ate for breakfast (their parts and interactions), but you can never fully know the 'real' them (their withdrawn essence). Listening to the song is like getting to know them indirectly.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this concept to discuss the 'spirit' or 'character' of a design that goes beyond its functional specifications.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This design project acknowledges that, akin to object-oriented philosophy, the designed artifact possesses an irreducible essence that cannot be fully exhausted by its constituent parts, manufacturing processes, or user interactions. The impact of the design stems from this inherent reality, which is indirectly experienced rather than directly known.
Source
CUNY Academic Works (City University of New York)
Object-Oriented Musicology: Some Implications of Graham Harman's Philosophy for Music Theory, History, and Criticism
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about object-oriented design: unpacking the irreducible essence of musical works?
- Recognize that a design's value and impact extend beyond its observable features and functional performance, stemming from an irreducible, inherent quality. Evidence: CUNY Academic Works (City University of New York) (2020).
- Why does "Object-Oriented Design: Unpacking the Irreducible Essence of Musical Works" matter for design?
- This perspective challenges designers to consider the inherent qualities of their creations beyond mere functionality or user interaction. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the 'thingness' of a design, suggesting that its impact stems from an internal reality that is only indirectly accessible.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Recognize that a design's value and impact extend beyond its observable features and functional performance, stemming from an irreducible, inherent quality.
- What were the main findings?
- Real objects are 'withdrawn' and irreducible to their components or interactions.. Aesthetic encounters, like listening to music, offer an indirect way to engage with an object's essence.. Object-oriented ontology can enrich schema theory by emphasizing the irreducible nature of schemata and the interpretive moment between schema and event.. Historical influence can be re-examined through the lens of how objects (composers, theories) interact indirectly.
- What research method was used?
- Philosophical analysis and application.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Mixed findings, based on a 2020 journal from CUNY Academic Works (City University of New York).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When evaluating a design, consider not just its usability and aesthetics, but also its inherent, perhaps ineffable, qualities that contribute to its overall presence and impact.
- What are the limitations?
- The abstract nature of 'withdrawal' can be challenging to operationalize in practical design processes. The focus is primarily theoretical, with limited direct empirical testing of design outcomes.