The Theory-Practice Gap as Generative Metaphor
summary
Argues that the familiar “theory–practice gap” functions as a generative metaphor that shapes problems and solutions, supports this with a literature tracing back to Butler 1985 and Donald Schön, and applies Derrida’s reversal to propose a continuum metaphor that highlights continuities. Uses conceptual analysis and literature review rather than new empirical data, then proposes three concrete agendas—bridge assessments, case studies of synergies (notably affordances and distributed cognition), and treating practice itself as theorizing—without claiming tested interventions.
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chapters (7)
- 0:00Introduction to the talk
- 1:11Generative metaphors explained
- 4:40Theory-practice gap in HCI
- 8:08Limitations of the gap metaphor
- 10:17Introducing the continuum metaphor
- 13:36Paths forward with the continuum
- 15:22Audience Q&A begins
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