The most important method of transformation is variation
Transformation describes very well a core competency in design: namely, the ability to take one thing (materials, views, experiences, processes, and so on) and turn it into another.
The word derives from the Latin and means “reshaping.” Transformation indicates in general a change of shape, form, or structure without loss of substance.
The most important method of transformation is variation. In principle, it involves two different substances that need to be defined: transformations of material (form versus material) and of content (form versus content). The concept of transformation is increasingly applied in the design process to parameters relevant to technology, production, and reception.
Transformation in the realm of digital design occupies a unique position.
The use of databases, games, and Internet sites such as blogs, and so on, always leads to transformation. The substance of this transformation is an invisible and variable data record (Software), so that one could say that such a transformation is one of substance. Traditionally, however, this would only be said of the physical substance of the computer (Hardware).