Per the author, the user should not be blamed for when the design does not meet user needs. All theories by individual designers on how the world works are biased because they are based on individual assumptions. It is important for designers to pay attention to information which leads to predictable results. Major problem in theory and design is the lack of an explicit body of positive knowledge.
The Nature of Positive Theory for Environmental Design: Based on many design failures, it is apparent that design needs to focus on the diversity of people and how they actually experience a designed environment, and make this focus systematic. The designer's understanding of the environment and how it affects people's lives is positive theory in practice. In addition, hypotheses need to validate this understanding and a clear framework of the process needs to be put in place.
A Conceptual Model of Architectural Theory:...
Positive theory is comprised of both substantive theory (on nature of the physical environment) and procedural theory (how it works). Substantive theory is broken down into natural environmental theory and person-environment theory. In natural environment theory, the focus is on the natural environment and its various components. In person-environment theory, the focus is on what the natural environment affords the users of that particular environment. Procedural theory needs to be honed in design to establish practices for all to follow. Normative theory is also substantive and procedural in nature. It is important to note the professed positions vs. The practiced positions of designers.
Summary: Design theory is either Positive or Normative and either procedural or substantive in nature. A systematic approach needs to be solidified.
