Newman, WilliamLiskowsky, RüdigerVelichkovsky, Boris MitrofanovichWünschmann, Wolfgang2017-11-222017-11-2219973-519-02690-2https://dl.gi.de/handle/20.500.12116/6556This paper takes as a starting point Walter Vincenti's seminal book, "What Engineers Know and How They Know It," and explores the implications for interactive system design of some of his observations on engineering knowledge. In particular, it discusses the obstacles designers face in accessing relevant knowledge, and their consequent difficulties in engaging in design. The paper suggests that a crucial step in building knowledge about interactive system design knowledge is the establishment of critical parameters concerning the human activity that the application supports. It concludes with a discussion of the implications for innovative system design.enText/Conference Paper