The Knowledge Handling Notation: building an interface to enable design conversation diagnosis

Abstract: With the development of the Knowledge Handling Notation (KHN) we were able to provide a model for a notation that captures modes of knowledge handling and visualizes its dynamics in design conversations. The KHN functions as an interface between transcript and pattern analysis for researchers or coaches who aim at diagnosing knowledge handling in conversational interactions in general, and design reviews in particular. We applied the notation to different design review sessions and iterated on the coding, which is presented in a coding manual. A visualization of the coding shows the dynamics of the conversational interaction. We developed the Knowledge Handling Notation (KHN) by integrating Nonaka’s concept of externalization and combination, enriched with sub-categories that account for transitions between those activities. In that, KHN maps out design conversations focused on the dynamics of knowledge handling and thereby serve as an orientation system for knowledge handling interactions in the context of design conversations