Article

How to recognize an Immutable Mobile when you find one ‐ translations on innovation and design

International Journal of Actor Network Theory and Technological Innovation

José Manuel Costa Dias de Figueiredo; Fernando Gonçalves2010IGI - Global

Key information

Authors:

José Manuel Costa Dias de Figueiredo (José Manuel Costa Dias de Figueiredo); Fernando Gonçalves

Published in

03/19/2010

Abstract

Research involved with Actor-Network Theory (ANT) application in engineering domains often crosses through its fundamentals. In fact, exploring trends that envisage ANT as a paradigm that can prove valid in the engineering design field, researchers sometimes enrol in discussions that drive them to its roots. Obligatory Passage Points (OPP) and Immutable Mobiles (IM) are two of the fundamental concepts that need to be revisited. These concepts are critical to understanding innovation in Actor-Networks, especially for the part of IMs. In the pursuit of that understanding, the authors opt to entangle ANT and engineering design and explore a framework based on Programs of Action where actors are represented as taxonomies of competences. These actors are hybrids but, when human, they are mainly engineers engaged in the scope planning and resource management in engineering design projects or processes. This article exercises and develops a constructive process towards a methodology to approach innovation in engineering design. This research is useful for the first stages of the project design process and, in a broader way, to the full cycle of the engineering design process.

Publication details

Publisher

IGI - Global

Title of the publication container

International Journal of Actor Network Theory and Technological Innovation

First page or article number

39

Last page

53

Volume

2

Issue

2

ISSN

1942-535X

Fields of Science and Technology (FOS)

other-social-sciences - Other social sciences

Publication language (ISO code)

eng - English

Rights type:

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