Exploratory viewpoints analysis: Its contribution to the provision of tools to support the design process

The aim of this paper is to present an approach to the exploration of different viewpoints in the design process. These viewpoints are studied through cognitive discursive analysis and geometric-data analysis, and should provide information for the development of design tools. A study was undertaken with operators and those working in various functions in the safety field (e. g. designers, engineers). From this study, some implicit specificities from the viewpoint concept were formalized. The viewpoint concept can be associated with that of operative representation, classically used in cognitive ergonomics. The results show the role of each design actor in relation to his/her function. They are thus consistent with the use of the viewpoint concept, as presented in the majority of recently published research, which involves heterogeneity and a multitude of factors. These viewpoints would be enriched with work knowledge, such as experience feedback concerning accidents and incidents. Exploring the various viewpoints in design may provide a means to enabling the various actors to become conscious, and share their respective approaches and contributions in design. The details of analysis are presented, together with the theoretical bases which justify it. It is likely to interest any ergonomist studying design or any other field, since the methods presented can be generalized to include any research using verbalization, subject to the precautions presented.