Manifestos/Principles

Design Archaeology

Design principles aren't invented; they're discovered by examining what works. Design Archaeology systematically deconstructs existing designs to extract implicit principles. This exercise transforms 'we like this' into 'here's why it works,' building a principle library grounded in evidence. Best used when teams need design direction, debate approaches, or build shared understanding of quality. The magic happens when extracted principles challenge current approaches. You'll need access to high-quality examples and a willingness to analyze deeply. Expect intense focus during analysis and energizing synthesis.

Duration
2.5 hours
Group Size
12-20
Category
Manifestos/Principles
Difficulty
Easy
Energy
Medium

Objectives

Select 8-12 exemplar designs representing quality standards, ensuring diversity. Deconstruct each systematically to identify underlying principles and patterns. Extract 15-20 reusable principles clear enough to guide new decisions. Organize principles into a framework showing relationships and application.

Outcomes


  • Historical context for current design patterns.

  • Understanding of why things are the way they are.

  • Informed decisions about what to preserve or change.

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Setup & Exemplar Selection (20 minutes): Define the domain. Teams brainstorm exemplars. Select 8-12 diverse examples.

  2. Archaeological Analysis (60 minutes): Teams of 3-4 analyze 2-3 exemplars each. Ask: What makes this excellent? What specific choices? What principles? Document with photos/screenshots.

  3. Share-out & Pattern Recognition (30 minutes): Teams present findings (3-4 min each). Capture emerging principles, looking for patterns and contradictions.

  4. Principle Consolidation (25 minutes): Consolidate similar principles. Aim for 15-20 distinct principles, each clearly articulated: What? Why? When? Example?

  5. Principle Organization (15 minutes): Group principles into themes. Identify hierarchy. Create a visual framework.

  6. Application Planning (10 minutes): For each principle: How does current work align? What would change? Who owns it?

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Facilitator Tips

Before the session, curate excellent, diverse exemplars. Avoid only trendy examples. During facilitation, push past 'I like this' to 'why it works.' Demand specificity and prevent endless wordsmithing. Warning signs: Principles that describe surface features, principles all from one exemplar, vague principles, or more debating than analyzing. Success indicators: 15-20 specific, actionable principles, evidence-grounded, challenging current approaches, organized framework, and team excitement. After the session, document with exemplar evidence. Create a visual guide. Use it to evaluate work. Schedule periodic archaeological sessions.

Pre-Work

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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Materials Required


  • Exemplars (physical/digital)

  • Analysis templates

  • Large paper

  • Markers

  • Camera

  • Preparation: Exemplar curation (2 weeks ahead) and analysis template (1 week ahead)

  • Optional: Expert commentary, before/after comparisons, principle cards

  • Backup: Additional exemplars, simplified analysis framework

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Resources & Templates

  • Facilitator Guide (PDF)
  • Participant Workbook Template
  • Presentation Slides
  • Printable Materials

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