Revitalizing agricultural sciences with design sciences

International audienceIn this perspective article, I explain why agricultural sciences are facing what I consider to be design issues, and why I strongly believe that agricultural sciences would benefit from more dialogue on these issues with design sciences. Using two examples concerning the design of Decision Support Systems (DSS) and of agricultural systems, I discuss the methodological and conceptual contribution that design sciences can make to agricultural sciences. I then elaborate on how design sciences are most needed to help us revitalise agricultural sciences so that they can more effectively support farmers and agricultural stakeholders on their road to sustainability – a process which requires a radical, creative and innovative design effort