Andreas Lund, Department of Informatics: Kinds of making: craft as model and metaphor for the making of software

Is software development a craft? Of course, one might argue. To skilfully know software development - or any other craft - is to skilfully know a set of tools, techniques, materials and practices.

In contrast, one might argue, from such a general level of analysis, software development may be just about any way (craft design or otherwise) of making.

The point of departure for the presentation is that different kinds of making each implies its own set of archetypical organizing principles. These principles include notions of quality, clienthood and mindset of the maker.

In the presentation, different kinds of making are outlined in terms of organizing principles. Craft, as juxtaposed to engineering and design, is presented and analysed as a model and a metaphor for the making of software. Above all, the 'making-software-as-craft' model is discussed from an innovation point of view, highlighting the distinction between market-led and maker-led innovation.

The 'making-software-as-craft' model is related to recent trends and innovation in information technology. Phenomena such as Open Source and Web 2.0 is discussed from a craft perspective.

Välkomna!
John Waterworth