Design logic visualizations as boundary objects in design

ABSTRACT: Design teams commonly need to explain the rationale or logic behind how they frame design challenges and develop a particular design concept and not others. This paper explores the use of Design Logic Visualizations (DLV) as a boundary object to enhance understanding and communication in convergent interdisciplinary engineering design environments. We developed the DLV as a new design tool, building upon existing design process visualizations like design signatures, and provide a case study from our NASA team. We then use a reflection-based autoethnographic and collaborative inquiry approach to reflect on how the DLVs influenced our team, our process, and our decision-making. The findings suggest DLVs can serve as a succinct storytelling tool, support shared understanding across disciplines and levels of leadership, and, ultimately, influence design outcomes.