Instrument mediated activity: from subject development to anthropocentric design

Authors: Rabardel, P.¹; Beguin, P.²

Source: Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, Volume 6, Number 5, September 2005 , pp. 429-461(33)

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Abstract:

The aim of this article is to present the ‘instrument-mediated activity' approach, which is part of a ‘generative model'. A group of principles liable to contribute to the epistemological unity of generative models is put forward as well as a theoretical framework that conceptualizes what an instrument is for the subject. The article develops the idea that the instrument is a mixed entity born of both the subject and the artifact. The artifact is not an instrument in itself. It is the subject who grants it the status of a means for his/her action. Processes of design in usage by users are defined as ‘instrumental geneses'. Finally, the consequences of this model on the organization of design processes are examined, in taking into account instrumental geneses as resources for design.

Keywords: Activity theory; Instrument; Creativity; Design in use; Scheme; Instrumental genesis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14639220500078179

Affiliations: 1: 2 rue de la Liberté, Université paris 8, UFR 7, 93200 Saint Denis, France 2: 41, rue Gay Lussac, CNAM, 75 005, Paris, France

Publication date: 2005-09-01

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