Abstract:Highlighting the dual subjectivity of creators and demanders is the contemporary mission in constructing a systematic view of the design value evolution in contemporary China. The graphical model of the design value relationship chain summarizes three general evolutionary elements: creators, value carriers, and demanders, from the perspective of philosophical relations. By integrating the methods from design axiology and design historiography and driven by multi-case studies of key design events, an analytical strategy, element framework, evolutionary diagram, and evolutionary characteristics of design value evolution have been formulated. Furthermore, a graphical representation of the design value evolution system, composed of macro-level relationships and micro-level element interactions, has been established based on the philosophical foundation, time matrix (diachronicity and synchronicity), underlying the conditions (social being determines social consciousness), influencing factors (PEST+NAR), and evolutionary elements. Four contemporary missions for the development of design value of China were elaborated, including guiding technology for the greater good, dual upgrades in epistemology and methodology, integration of interdisciplinary knowledge, and empathy-driven outcome correction. |