Already Known

Already Known is a fundamental concept in design and innovation that refers to existing knowledge, established practices, or pre-existing solutions within a particular field or domain. This concept plays a crucial role in the design process as it serves as both a foundation and a potential constraint for new creative endeavors. In the context of design thinking and innovation, the already known encompasses the collective body of established design principles, methodologies, materials, and solutions that have been previously implemented, documented, or widely recognized within the industry. This accumulated knowledge base serves as a critical reference point for designers, helping them understand what has been accomplished, what has proven successful, and what limitations or challenges have been encountered in the past. The concept is particularly relevant in design evaluation processes, including prestigious competitions like the A' Design Award, where originality and innovation are assessed against the backdrop of existing solutions. Understanding what is already known enables designers to avoid reinventing the wheel while identifying genuine opportunities for innovation. This awareness helps in distinguishing between incremental improvements to existing designs and breakthrough innovations that challenge established paradigms. The concept also plays a vital role in design education and professional practice, where knowledge of historical precedents, standard practices, and proven solutions forms the foundation for developing new design approaches. In the contemporary design landscape, the already known constantly evolves as new technologies, materials, and methodologies emerge, requiring designers to maintain a dynamic understanding of their field's current state while seeking opportunities to push boundaries beyond established norms.

Author: Lucas Reed

Keywords: existing solutions, established practices, design history, prior knowledge, innovation benchmarks

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