Tacit knowledge and design, wisdom of a old potter

Wise potter

In a quaint, picturesque village nestled in the hills, there lived an old potter named Hari. He was renowned throughout the village for his exceptional pottery, each piece a work of art in its own right. His pots were not just containers; they were vessels that told stories, each curve and design reflecting the landscape and culture of the region.

One sunny morning, a young and eager apprentice named Madhu approached Hari, seeking to learn the secrets of his craft. Madhu was full of questions: "How do you make these pots so perfect, so beautiful, Master?"

Hari, a man of few words, smiled and invited Madhu to join him at the potter's wheel. As they worked side by side, the old potter deftly shaped the clay into a magnificent vase, while Madhu struggled to replicate even a fraction of the grace and precision.

Days turned into weeks, and Madhu continued to watch, mimic, and ask questions. But Hari seldom provided detailed explanations. Instead, he would gently guide Madhu's hands and offer cryptic pieces of advice like, "Feel the clay, my boy. It will tell you what it wants to become."

One day, after many months of tireless effort, Madhu created a vase that bore a striking resemblance to Hari's masterpieces. Eager to hear his mentor's praise, Madhu asked, "Have I finally learned your secrets, Master?"

Hari paused and looked at Madhu, his eyes filled with wisdom earned over a lifetime of craftsmanship. "You've learned more than just techniques, Madhu," he said softly. "You've learned the language of clay, the whispers of the wheel, and the heart of pottery. You've learned to listen."

Madhu realized that the true mastery of pottery extended beyond the tangible skills of molding clay and painting designs. It was about understanding the clay's characteristics, sensing the subtle shifts in pressure, and intuitively knowing when a pot was complete.

In that moment, Madhu comprehended the essence of tacit knowledge. It was the knowledge that couldn't be taught through words alone, but had to be felt, experienced, and internalized. It was the silent wisdom that lived in the hands, the heart, and the soul of the craftsman.

Years passed, and Madhu became a skilled potter in his own right. He could now create magnificent pots that told their own unique stories. And when young apprentices approached him, he would smile, just as Hari had, and invite them to join him at the wheel, saying, "Feel the clay, my boy. It will tell you what it wants to become."

And so, the legacy of tacit knowledge continued, passed down through the generations, a silent but powerful force in the world of pottery and craftsmanship.

I was introduced to the term Tacit knowledge by Prof A G Rao while discussing the idea of a certain kind of knowledge which is embodies due to the various types of activities we do as designers. He handed me a book called “Tacit dimension by Micheal polanyi, which I read non stop. In the world of design, there exists a realm of knowledge that transcends formal education and explicit learning. This profound type of wisdom is known as tacit knowledge. The concept of tacit knowledge was first introduced and extensively explored by the philosopher and polymath Michael Polanyi. Polanyi's insights into tacit knowledge have had a profound impact on how designers approach the creation of products and services. In this article, we will delve into Michael Polanyi's exploration of tacit knowledge, provide examples of its manifestations, and elucidate how it influences a designer's approach to crafting innovative and effective solutions.

Examples of Tacit Knowledge

1. Bicycle Riding: Consider the act of riding a bicycle. While you may be able to explain the basic mechanics, it is unlikely that you can detail every micro-adjustment your body makes to maintain balance. This is an example of tacit knowledge in action. Cyclists rely on their ingrained sense of balance and coordination, which they have developed over time, to ride effectively.

2. Cooking: Similarly, a skilled chef may not be able to precisely describe the nuances of seasoning a dish to perfection. They rely on their culinary intuition, honed through years of experience, to create exquisite flavors. This is another manifestation of tacit knowledge, where the mastery of a craft goes beyond words.

3. Craft work : Craftsmen and artisans who engage in activities like weaving and stitching rely extensively on this form of knowledge to excel in their craft.Here's how craft knowledge embodies the characteristics of tacit knowledge:

Skill Development: Craftsmen spend years honing their skills and perfecting their techniques. Through countless hours of practice, they develop an intuitive understanding of their craft. This knowledge is built upon a foundation of trial and error, learning from mistakes, and gradually improving through hands-on experience.

Intuitive Decision-Making: When a weaver or a seamstress is at work, they make a multitude of decisions, often subconsciously. These decisions relate to selecting materials, adjusting tension, choosing stitching patterns, and more. Their ability to make these decisions effectively is a result of their tacit knowledge, which guides them based on a deep understanding of the materials and techniques involved.

Adaptation to Variables: Craftsmen often face varying conditions, such as changes in material quality, environmental factors, or unique customer preferences. Tacit knowledge allows them to adapt to these variables seamlessly. For example, a basket weaver may instinctively adjust their weaving technique when working with different types of fibers or when creating a specific design pattern.

Problem-Solving: Craftsmen encounter challenges and obstacles throughout their work. Tacit knowledge equips them with problem-solving abilities, enabling them to find creative solutions in real-time. For instance, a tailor may need to modify a stitching approach to accommodate an irregular fabric shape, relying on their tacit knowledge of sewing techniques.

Pattern Recognition: Over time, craft experts develop an ability to recognize patterns and nuances that are not explicitly taught. This might involve detecting imperfections in materials, predicting how certain patterns will affect the final product, or noticing subtle variations that can impact the quality of the craftwork.

Artistry and Innovation: While craft knowledge is steeped in tradition and established techniques, it also provides the foundation for artistic expression and innovation. Craftsmen can push the boundaries of their craft and create unique, aesthetically pleasing designs by drawing on their tacit knowledge.

Tacit Knowledge and Design

Design, as a discipline, is intimately intertwined with tacit knowledge. The very essence of design involves tapping into this implicit reservoir of understanding and applying it to creative problem-solving. Donald Schön coined the term "knowing-in-action" to describe this phenomenon. According to Schön, tacit knowledge in design is most evident in the way designers execute tasks and approach problems, a form of knowledge that defies easy explanation but is beautifully demonstrated through skillful performance.

This notion of "knowing-in-action" implies that while we might not be able to put our design knowledge into words, we can showcase it through our actions. David Cross extends this idea further, referring to the "natural intelligence" of design ability and the concept of "designerly ways of knowing." These notions emphasize that design is not just about theoretical knowledge but also the intuitive and tacit skills that guide us in our creative endeavors.

Design activities often act as catalysts, setting in motion our intuitive and tacit knowledge that has accumulated over years of research and experience. Moreover, involving users in the design process allows us to tap into their intuitive knowledge about their specific domains. Much of this invaluable knowledge may not find a place in existing theories and guidelines.

Intuition, judgment, and tacit skills emerge as critical components in tackling complex, ill-defined design problems. Tacit knowledge, in this context, becomes one of the defining characteristics of designers. In fact, one could argue that an activity does not truly qualify as design if it does not involve tacit skills. These forms of knowledge serve as intellectual tools that designers wield to navigate the intricate landscape of real-world complexity.

One intriguing aspect of tacit knowledge is its implicit nature, making it challenging to predict its effects. Nonetheless, it exerts a substantial influence on the dynamics of design activities. The co-evolution of problem-solving patterns often stems from actions grounded in intuition, judgment, and tacit skills. Tacit knowledge is especially crucial when grappling with complex human and social issues, where traditional rules and guidelines fall short.

1. Intuitive Problem Solving: Designers often encounter complex, ill-defined problems when developing products or services. Tacit knowledge plays a critical role in these situations. Designers draw upon their intuitive understanding, developed through years of practice, to navigate uncertainty and arrive at innovative solutions. For example, a graphic designer may intuitively know how to balance elements on a webpage to create an aesthetically pleasing design, even if they cannot precisely articulate the rules guiding their decisions.

2. User-Centered Design: When designers create products and services, understanding user needs is paramount. Tacit knowledge comes into play when designers empathize with users and make design decisions based on their intuitive grasp of what will resonate with the target audience. This can lead to more user-friendly and effective solutions.

3. Collaborative Design: In team-based design projects, tacit knowledge becomes a bridge for communication. Team members may possess diverse skills and backgrounds, and tacit knowledge helps in harmonizing their efforts. For instance, an industrial designer may collaborate with a materials scientist to create a product, with both experts relying on their tacit knowledge to understand each other's perspectives and contribute effectively.

While tacit knowledge is a powerful tool for designers, it also presents challenges. Since it is difficult to articulate, it can be challenging to share with others, particularly in a team setting. Moreover, its implicit nature means it may not always be consciously recognized or harnessed, making it essential for designers to reflect on their own tacit knowledge and seek ways to leverage it effectively.

Michael Polanyi's exploration of tacit knowledge has influenced the way designers approach their craft. This form of knowledge, deeply embedded within individuals, shapes their intuitive problem-solving, user-centered design, and collaborative efforts. By recognizing and embracing tacit knowledge, designers can tap into a wellspring of expertise that goes beyond textbooks and formal education, ultimately leading to the creation of more innovative and user-centric products and services. In the ever-evolving landscape of design, the legacy of Michael Polanyi's insights on tacit knowledge continues to guide designers on their quest for excellence.

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