In this dynamic review and synthesis of empirical research and theoretical discussion of design as cognitive activity, Willemien Visser reconciles and integrates the classical view of design, as conceptualized by Herbert Simon's symbolic information processing approach, with modern views of design such as the situativity approach, as formulated by Donald Schon.

The author goes on to develop her own view on design, in which design is most appropriately characterized as a construction of representations. She lays the groundwork for the integration of design research and cognitive science. This seemingly simple framework has implications that set the stage for this mutually beneficial integration.