Homeostatic Designs: How the Theories of Antonio Damasio Can Inform Design Thinking

Conference: The European Conference on Arts, Design & Education (ECADE2022)
Title: Homeostatic Designs: How the Theories of Antonio Damasio Can Inform Design Thinking
Stream: Interdisciplinary Art and Design Projects
Presentation Type: Live-Stream Presentation
Authors:
Andrea Macruz, Tongji University, China & Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, United Arab Emirates

Abstract:

Theories studied in design related to art and design are scientifically proven through rigorous methodology, along with contemporary neuroscience. This paper discusses the role of homeostasis through the lens of the neuroscientist Antonio Damasio and its potential relation to design. For him, homeostasis is a self-regulating process by which an organism can maintain internal stability while adjusting to changing internal and external conditions (Damasio, 2018; Damasio, 2000). The understanding of physiological regulation has evolved from the Hippocrates (Hippocrates et al., 1931), through Claude Bernard (Bernard, 1878), to Walter (Cannon, 1929). However, these views of homeostasis are non-conscious forms of physiological control (Kotas and Medzhitov, 2015). The main contribution of Damasio is the addition of homeostatic feelings that can be conscious (Damasio and Damasio, 2016; Damasio and Carvalho, 2013; Damasio, 2021). How we feel can start to serve as homeostatic guides. This essay proposes that design can be an example of such regulating mechanism. It raises questions such as: to what extent design can act as psychic stabilizers? How homeostasis expands the views on preferences and rational choices, and how designers can use feedback to create projects with greater intelligence and performance. The relevance of the body's homeostasis and feelings is becoming evident in neuroscience (Damasio et al., 2000) yet difficult to incorporate into the design fields. This paper offers an opportunity as a research inquiry. Discussing homeostasis and laying a methodology to apply in design provides insight into how this can contribute to the built environment.



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