Dear Derek,
I have invited you to consider that design (projection) can and at times preferably come before research (analysis). In reply, you wrote that
"We fully recognize that the learning process is always iterative and on-going, but one needs to model with the things on the table. That means, someone needs to put the stuff on the table. Research puts data (or the interpretive frameworks, etc) on the table for use in modeling, scenario building, prototyping, etc. This is the "raw stuff" we design with. Not clay or paper or metal".
See, I am not so sure, I don't think the "raw stuff" of what you design is the research data on the local culture that you collect. This descriptive data is, more precisely speaking, material for evaluation. Very important, but no more than that.
The real stuff for design, I believe, following Jonas, is the objects, systems and things that have been designed /or emerged. In your case, the stuff is the existing international policy and programs (and things that are similiar to them).
You also wrote
"Designing - as use the term - is more akin to "modeling" than "thinking." One models "with stuff." That means, you need the stuff first. If the stuff is socio-cultural knowledge, then research precedes the process. It may also support it and follow it, and it may go round and round, but it is not chicken and egg. First comes a strategic goal, then the knowledge, then the modelling, then the prototyping, etc".
See, that is what many people would say. But there is also a different perspective, an old one: the solution is the problem.
When I was suggesting to you to consider putting projection first before research, I had something like this in mind:
Do not start your project with describing the context (the culture of the local), but think striaght away about what the policy and program COULD be like, after all, you have many experiences and there are many good or bad precedences/designs. Take your first protoype to the local people (your users)and discuss with them, employing the particaptory approach and methods. From this discussion, you might not only have a more refined design, but also might learn about their culture and your own persumptions.
Best,
Rosan
Acknowledgement: My thinking on this is very much influenced by Jonas and Harold Nelson, who, I believe, are influenced by Horst Rittel.
Rosan Chow, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Design Research Lab
Deutsche Telekom Laboratories
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