Greetings group,
I thought I would introduce a new topic.
Context:
I am writing a comparative paper on the questions, assumptions, methods,
and evidence (Barnard 2006) of design practice, anthropology, design
research,
and design anthropology. Ken and Klaus’s discussion was great for my
thinking about the underlying assumptions (epistemological stances) of each
discipline. I have said for years that the reasons why my design colleagues
occasionally drive me crazy, and vice versa, is that I operate under an
empiricist philosophical tradition while they operate under a rationalist
philosophical tradition. Pragmatically, we find common ground, especially
when I use my empiricism to “prove” their rationalism. “Yes, darling, the
alignment between the ideal poster in your head and what you designed has
been proven by the users.” Yet, the heart of any heated argument I have
with my colleagues is normally based on these different epistemological
stances. But I digress.
Question:
What is the “artifact” of evidence in Design Research?
More Context:
In graphic design, it is the poster.
In industrial design, it varies on scale but it ranges from the cup to the
car. (Not alphabetically of course)
In architecture, it is the blueprint.
All of which find optimized distribution through the client and competition
prizes.
Note: This is not to say that these are the only artifacts, but they seem
to be the ones in which you are assigned/encouraged to design in order to
prove yourself as a member of the group.
In cultural anthropology, it is the ethnographic monograph.
In physical anthropology, it is the “complete” skeleton.
In archaeology, it is the visual representation of the reconstructed site.
In linguistics, it is the annotated script.
All of which find optimized distribution through peer-reviewed journal
articles.
In design anthropology, I would say it is the “experience model” as
pioneered by E-lab, Doblin and others.
What is it/are they for Design Research?
Dori
References:
Barnard, H. Russell. 2006. Research Methods in Anthropology. 4th ed. New
York: Altamira Press
__________________________________________
Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall, PhD
Associate Professor, Design Anthropology
School of Art + Design
University of Illinois at Chicago
Associate Director, City Design Center
University of Illinois at Chicago
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312.282.2893 mobile
312.996.9768 office
Blog at http://dori3.typepad.com/my_weblog/
City Design Center
820 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 330
Chicago, IL 60607
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