Todd Cherkasky
Sapient Corporation, 200 West Adams, Suite 2700, Chicago IL 60606, USA
E-mail: tcherkasky@sapient.com

Abstract:
This paper describes the emerging field of `experience design’ and offers an approach to critical examination of engineering design in an effort to improve the experience of both users and those who design for them. Design is described as comprised of three `threads’ (social, symbolic, and material) that can be teased apart for design analysis, opening up assumptions embedded within design practice. The paper suggests how engineering as a profession, and engineers as responsible designers, can develop not only traditional technical skills, but also the critical inquiry skills to improve the experience of design.