Introduction: Making as reflecting through interaction with the material environment

Abstract

Recent advances in the context of embodied cognition and the “4Es” support inquiries into craft and design practice from an embodied perspective. This theoretical frame provides a view of active material engagement and manipulation as a form of reflecting in itself, with artefacts comprising the results of these processes. This introduction chapter includes an orientation into the developments in design and craft theory and how 4E theory helps discussing craft and design practice. This introduction further presents the general background, some of the concepts, and theoretical perspectives that the chapters in this book are based on and gives an overview of the structure of the book.