Open source, collaboration and access. A critical analysis of “openness” in the design field

The concept of “openness” has appeared with increasing frequency in the scientific literature of design over the past 15 years, repre- sented most often in the expression, “open design.” However, this term has different meanings, and many researchers have pointed out the lack of a common, univocal interpretation. For example, Cruickshank and Atkinson argue that “[o]pen design has become an umbrella term for a wide range of approaches to design and creativity where professional design is challenged.”1 Likewise, Aitamurto, Holland, and Hussain state “...the ‘open’ landscape in design lacks consensus regarding a unified paradigm landscape definition for open design practice. This lack of agreement par- tially results from the gap in approaches to design.”2 This wide range of possible interpretations can be a source of confusion and misunderstanding. The following research study aims to provide a broad interpretation of the relationship between “openness” and design, through a methodical analysis of sources, practices, and case studies.