Design tools and framing practices

In the paper design processes are conceived as social processes of interpretation and construction of meaning, and potentially of context generation. A reconstructive approach to design research is suggested which studies design processes in terms of social interaction. Designers' interpretative works are based on their capabilities acquired through enculturation, like practices, routines, and skilled use of tools. Examples taken from case studies are described and some concepts for description are suggested. Descriptive design research might be more apt in stimulating designers' reflections on their practices and routines and thereby initiating learning processes rather than yet another design method.