Problem-solution co-evolution research in the DRS conference community (2001-2025)

The problem–solution co-evolution model proposed by Dorst and Cross (2001) remains highly influential for understanding design processes. This paper contributes a scoping review of DRS conference proceedings (2001-2025), revealing how the model has been adopted, developed, and critiqued. A thematic synthesis of a corpus of sixteen DRS papers shows how the model has been used to frame, connect, and extend foundational design theories by pointing to the crucial role of mutual adaptation of problem and solution. We find that problem and solution spaces are considered distinct and interdependent. Co-evolution is conceptualized and studied through several conceptual lenses, e.g., cognitive, social, and systemic, based on a pluralistic, yet interwoven collection of classic design theory. We discuss how problem–solution co-evolution research might be advanced through 1) design space representation and visualization, 2) co-evolution seen as a flexible boundary concept, and 3) psychological creativity research on problem construction.