Archeology 303

In his book "the Language of New Media", Lev Manovich speaks of two types of representation: those which fit into the history of illusionism, and those which fit into the history of instruments for action.

Representations which may be considered instruments for action include: diagrams, charts, maps, and x-rays. Manovich asserts, "Any representation which systematically captures some features of reality can be used as an instrument."

Representations which fit into the history of illusionism are those which create "fake realities". Manovich cites the cheery facades of Potemkin's villages, which convinced Catherine the Great that all Russian peasants lived in happiness and prosperity.

How do the two histories of representation enter into the domain of engineering design?