David Sless:
> Worse still are the research reports that do not
>include reproductions of the actual designs.
This is a real problem, It is depressingly normal to see presentations at
conferences where it becomes clear from the images displayed that the
researcher has a very poor understanding of the design context that they are
working in. Their written paper makes perfect sense but then you see the
experimental work, or the case study material....
Even experienced researchers doing good work can fail to show enough for you to
understand the methods or value of the work properly, they follow reporting
techniques that they have learned from scientists without wondering (a) whether
they have an opportunity to make themselves more clear and (b) whether
scientists themselves are guilty of concealing the qualities of process that
might help us to judge the value of their work properly. I have seen
investigations in the physical sciences which fall apart completely when you
inspect the design of the laboratory test rig - reading the publications gives
no sense of that.
(advertisement coming up - I have no shame) this is the main reason why I am
promoting a digital dissemination project, still seats available for the
Barcelona workshop but they are going fast (well one seat went very fast,
thanks Rosan). email me if you want to know more
best wishes from Sheffield and Barcelona
Chris Rust
*******************************************
Professor Chris Rust
Art and Design Research Centre
Sheffield Hallam University UK
www.shu.ac.uk/design
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tel +44 114 225 2706
fax +44 114 225 2603
Psalter Lane, Sheffield S11 8UZ, UK
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