Study
Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Bi-relational Design: A Framework for Tackling Complex Problems

Bi-relational Design offers a structured, iterative approach to address complex or 'wicked' problems by systematically exploring opposing viewpoints and synthesizing them into novel solutions.

Journal of Learning Design · 2015

01

Key Findings

  • 01Bi-relational Design provides a systematic method for deconstructing complex problems by examining opposing facets.
  • 02An iterative, six-phase process supports emergent solutions through continuous refinement.
  • 03The framework is adaptable for problem-solving and resource development in contested or complex environments.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When faced with a complex problem, intentionally explore its opposing facets and use an iterative process of analysis, synthesis, and experimentation to develop robust solutions.

How to apply

When encountering a 'wicked problem,' identify the core opposing elements (e.g., user needs vs. technical constraints, cost vs. quality) and apply the six iterative phases of BD to explore these tensions and synthesize a balanced solution.

Project actions

  • 01Clearly define the 'dyads' or opposing elements of your design problem.
  • 02Structure your design process around the six iterative phases outlined in the paper.
  • 03Document how you explored and synthesized the opposing viewpoints.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow can a bi-relational design approach be applied to effectively resolve complex, contested problems?
MethodConceptual framework development and illustrative case study.
ProcedureThe paper introduces the Bi-relational Design (BD) framework, which posits three approaches (oppositional, equipositional, para-positional) to problem-specific dyads based on epistemological development. It then outlines a six-phase iterative process (identification, organisation, analysis, evaluation, synthesis, experimentation) and illustrates its application through the design of an interactive rubric for pre-service teachers.
ContextEducational technology and instructional design, but applicable to any complex problem domain.

Variables

IVApplication of Bi-relational Design principles and phases.
DVEffectiveness of problem resolution, quality of synthesized solution.
CVNature of the 'wicked problem' being addressed.
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Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Provides a structured method for tackling ambiguity and complexity.
  • +Encourages a holistic view by considering opposing perspectives.

Limitations

The framework is conceptual; its practical application might require adaptation depending on the specific problem and available resources. The number of phases and their strict adherence might be challenging in time-constrained projects.

Reliability & validity

The reliability and validity of the BD framework would need to be established through repeated application across diverse problem domains and assessment of the consistency and quality of the resulting solutions.

Think critically

To what extent does the Bi-relational Design framework truly offer a novel approach to problem-solving, or does it merely formalize existing methods of exploring trade-offs and compromises?

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Design Principles

"Systematically analyze and synthesize opposing perspectives within a problem domain through an iterative design process to achieve innovative solutions for complex challenges."

This methodology provides a robust framework for designers and researchers to navigate ambiguity and conflict inherent in multifaceted design challenges. By formalizing the exploration of dualistic perspectives, it encourages more comprehensive problem definition and innovative solution generation.

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What This Means for Your Design

Bi-relational Design is a way to solve tricky problems by looking at two opposite sides of the problem and then finding a way to bring them together through a step-by-step process.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use the Bi-relational Design framework to structure your problem exploration and solution development sections.
  • 2.Reference the paper when discussing how you analyzed opposing factors in your design brief.
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Add to My Project

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Quick Cite

(2015). Bi-relational design: A brief introduction and illustration. Journal of Learning Design. https://doi.org/10.5204/jld.v8i1.129 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/ea531e6c-05a4-4d54-bf58-81ee02d803cb/bi-relational-design-a-framework-for-tackling-complex-problems

Paragraph starter

The design process was informed by the Bi-relational Design (BD) framework, a methodology for addressing complex problems by systematically exploring opposing viewpoints. This approach involved identifying key dyads within the problem space, such as [mention specific dyads], and applying an iterative six-phase process of identification, organisation, analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and experimentation to navigate these tensions and develop a comprehensive solution.

09

Source

Journal of Learning Design

Bi-relational design: A brief introduction and illustration

journal · 2015

View source

Questions about this research

What does the research say about bi-relational design: a framework for tackling complex problems?
When faced with a complex problem, intentionally explore its opposing facets and use an iterative process of analysis, synthesis, and experimentation to develop robust solutions. Evidence: Journal of Learning Design (2015).
Why does "Bi-relational Design: A Framework for Tackling Complex Problems" matter for design?
This methodology provides a robust framework for designers and researchers to navigate ambiguity and conflict inherent in multifaceted design challenges. By formalizing the exploration of dualistic perspectives, it encourages more comprehensive problem definition and innovative solution generation.
How can designers apply this research?
When faced with a complex problem, intentionally explore its opposing facets and use an iterative process of analysis, synthesis, and experimentation to develop robust solutions.
What were the main findings?
Bi-relational Design provides a systematic method for deconstructing complex problems by examining opposing facets.. An iterative, six-phase process supports emergent solutions through continuous refinement.. The framework is adaptable for problem-solving and resource development in contested or complex environments.
What research method was used?
Conceptual framework development and illustrative case study..
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2015 journal from Journal of Learning Design.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When encountering a 'wicked problem,' identify the core opposing elements (e.g., user needs vs. technical constraints, cost vs. quality) and apply the six iterative phases of BD to explore these tensions and synthesize a balanced solution.
What are the limitations?
The paper provides an introduction and illustration, suggesting further empirical validation of the BD framework across diverse problem types is needed. The specific application to an interactive rubric may not fully capture the breadth of BD's potential.
Is there evidence that bi-relational design affects design outcomes?
The study introduces Bi-relational Design, a method for tackling complex issues by analyzing opposing viewpoints through an iterative, six-phase process, demonstrating its utility with an educational tool. This methodology provides a robust framework for designers and researchers to navigate ambiguity and conflict inhe Source: Journal of Learning Design (2015).
Where does this tackling complex research apply?
Educational technology and instructional design, but applicable to any complex problem domain. It sits within innovation & design research on designdex.org.

Related research topics

bi-relational design design research · evidence on bi-relational design · does bi-relational design improve design outcomes · tackling complex studies for designers · bi-relational design and tackling complex findings · innovation & design research evidence