The seed:

The 'Double Design Diamond" (DDD) is a popular way to describe and orient what design is and how design is done.

One of the most important features of the DDD is that it is visually appealing and is used as a baseline for describing a design process. The British Design Council even claims it is universally accepted, Design Council.

But is it an accurate description of what actually goes on in design? There are plentiful critics who say it is not, such as Gk VanPatter, GK VanPatter.

The situation:

Let's explore DDD a bit with simple observations starting with a coverage question:

Can two tilted square symbols explain the richness of design and designerly ways of knowing and doing? The answer must be no; design is much more subtle and rich.
An example, why is not framing or reframing according to Donald Schön's or Kees Dorst's illustrated? What happened to other creative problem-solving, innovation, and startup aspects? What more is missing?
The DDD seems to simplify the rich design and designerly ways of knowing and doing, which are constructed to satisfy specific audiences. "https://anderswt.medium.com/design-thinking-is-that-all-98ad06eb688e".

On the other hand, many versions of DDD are adorned with additional features, principles, ways, and affordances. But can two tilted squares explain all this? Most likely not. Many DDD seems overloaded with many meanings attached to the two tilted squares.

The Point of View:

The paradox is that the DDD seems communicative, simplified, and overloaded at the same time, which opens up some questions:

• Is this 'Double Design Diamond" a universal illustration of design that is suitable to govern the design process?
• Are there other ways to utilize the tilted squares or a design diamond to represent essential aspects of design without being overloaded and/or overly simplified?

Can DDD be improved after zillions of versions, let's go and see!

The Solution:

Let us create new knowledge and explore how essential aspects of design can be represented in a diamond form.

In a series of articles, a focused and "interweaved Design Diamond" will be presented which can be used as a tool for explaining and teaching design as well as for constructing suitable design processes.

To be continued at:

• interweaved Design Diamond (1) - The Start

Enjoy Anders