Design Research

Design, noun

1. The deliberate conception and planning of artifacts, systems, or experiences
2. The field of study concerned with the creation and evaluation of the artificial
3. A specification or plan for making something

Research, noun

1. Systematic investigation or inquiry aimed at contributing to knowledge of a theory, topic, or practice
2. The methodical gathering, documentation, and analysis of information
3. Creative and systematic work undertaken to increase knowledge

Understanding Design Research

Design research emerged as a distinct field during the design methods movement of the 1960s, marking a shift from intuitive approaches to more systematic investigations of design processes. This evolution reflected broader changes in epistemology and the recognition of design as a unique mode of inquiry with its own intellectual culture.

The field encompasses three fundamental dimensions: research about design (studying design activity and its outcomes), research for design (developing knowledge to improve design practice), and research through design (using design activities as research methods). These dimensions, first articulated by Bruce Archer and later refined by Christopher Frayling, form the cornerstone of contemporary design research methodology.

Epistemological Foundations

Design research operates within a unique epistemological framework that acknowledges multiple ways of knowing. It embraces both objective and subjective knowledge, recognizing that design knowledge exists in artifacts, processes, and theoretical constructs. This framework accommodates:

• Propositional knowledge (knowing-that)
• Procedural knowledge (knowing-how)
• Experiential knowledge (knowing-through-doing)
• Contextual knowledge (knowing-where-and-when)

Methodological Approaches

Design research employs diverse methodological approaches that reflect its hybrid nature:

1. Historical Research

   • Archival investigation
   • Artifact analysis
   • Design genealogy studies

2. Theoretical Research

   • Conceptual framework development
   • Critical theory application
   • Philosophical inquiry

3. Practice-Based Research

   • Action research
   • Experimental prototyping
   • Material investigation
   • Studio-based inquiry

4. Empirical Research

   • Case studies
   • Ethnographic observation
   • User studies
   • Protocol analysis

5. Systematic Research

   • Design pattern analysis
   • Morphological studies
   • Systems analysis

Contemporary Discourse

Modern design research has evolved to address contemporary challenges in technology, sustainability, and social change. Key areas of investigation include:

• Design cognition and creativity
• Computational design and digital fabrication
• Participatory and co-design methods
• Sustainable design practices
• Design ethics and responsibility
• Cross-cultural design understanding
• Design pedagogy and education

Further Reading

• Archer, B. (1995). The Nature of Research. Co-Design Journal, 2(11), 6-13.
• Cross, N. (2006). Designerly Ways of Knowing. London: Springer.
• Frayling, C. (1993). Research in Art and Design. Royal College of Art Research Papers, 1(1), 1-5.
• Jonas, W. (2007). Design Research and its Meaning to the Methodological Development of the Discipline. Design Research Now, 187-206.
• Buchanan, R. (2001). Design Research and the New Learning. Design Issues, 17(4), 3-23.
• Krippendorff, K. (2006). The Semantic Turn: A New Foundation for Design. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
• Lawson, B. (2004). What Designers Know. Oxford: Architectural Press.
• Schön, D. A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. New York: Basic Books.

Related Concepts

• Design Methods
• Design Theory
• Research Through Design
• Practice-Based Research
• Design Epistemology
• Design Methodology
• Experimental Design
• Design Pedagogy