Activity Theory as an Approach to Praxis
A good way to analyze praxis is to use a model or methodology that examines qualitative (the why and how) results. A model based on human dialogue is more appropriate in this context because design takes its theories from both the objective studies of science and the interpretation of the arts and humanities. Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky developed activity theory as a contextual model of psychology. It is a method of analysis that has roots in cognitive psychology. However, it differs from other schools of psychology in that its main concern is the influence of environment and context, instead of the subjective or the behavioral. A heuristic device is an experience-based technique that aids in problem solving, learning, discovery, and is a way of examining praxis. Activity theory is a useful heuristic device in analyzing human activities, which are driven by certain needs where people wish to achieve a certain purpose. These activities are broken down into actions, and these actions influence mental activity. This becomes cyclical because mental activity in turn influences actions. Kaptelinin and Nardi explore this feedback loop in Acting with Technology. They say, “It is a social theory of human consciousness, construing consciousness as the product of an individual’s interactions with people and artifacts in the context of everyday practical activity” (2006, 6). Since traditional theories of design analysis (human reactions to color, form, and structure) often overlook social, cultural, and technological interactivity, activity theory can provide a structure for educating and analyzing design.