Dear people,
I have a map I use to explain types of design research to students. This not quite the same as a map of analytical methods, but may be related. My map employs a four-box grid similar to that of Liz Sanders, but where she structures her analysis according to "approach," I focus on purpose. This is an ontology of outcomes, not of technique.
I'd be happy to send a .pdf to anyone interested, but here is a verbal description. Here, the four boxes of the grid represent the intersections of these two axes:• north-south differentiates between research "in theory," and "in practice."
• east-west distinguishes whether the research is relevant "in general," or "for one case."
These intersections yield four general categories:
1. In practice, for one case: This is the type of routine research found in everyday design practice, including benchmark reviews, literature searches and user studies. All design projects include this type of research, if only in rudimentary form.
2. In practice, for general application: This is the type of research aimed at developing general tools that all designers can use when approaching problems, such as ergonomic databases, codes and standardization, or new technologies.
3. In theory, for general application: This is the development of design philosophy; exploring the meanings of design and designed artifacts using intellectual frameworks perhaps taken from philosophy, psychology or cognitive science. Its relationship with clinical design practice may not be obvious, but it is foundational in terms of tacit assumptions.
4. In theory, for one case: This is work that seeks to establish a context for specific projects; perhaps turning to sociology, management or anthropology for guidance. For example, is the kitchen really a location for "work" or is it a social setting? Theoretical analysis of a problem area may be a preliminary step towards identifying the problem to be solved. This step seems sometimes neglected, or is provided by the client in the form of the design brief or contract.
These categories are, of course, blurry (see Lakoff, Women, Fire and Dangerous Things, 1987), but seem useful for student orientation. Category 1 research is the obvious starting point for beginners, offering manageable opportunities to explore methods that are qualitative or quantitative ; primary or secondary.
Under this analysis, most of the things mentioned by Celeste Roschuni seem to be useful general tools that can find a variety of applications in design practice. I would describe development of such tools as Category 2 research. Roschini's collecting of them is also Category 2 research, as she develops an over-arching tool-of-tools to use in locating methods. Application of the specific tools to a project would fall into Category 1.
Note that I was inspired here by the admirable and useful illustration in: Lois Frankel and Martin Racine, “The Complex Field of Research: for Design, through Design and about Design.” Paper presented at Design and Complexity, the Design Research Society International Conference 7-9 July 2010, Université de Montréal. http://www.drs2010.umontreal.ca/data/PDF/043.pdf
Happy Hallowe'en!
Heidi O P.S. Thank you Gjoko Muratovski for the book recommendation Looks great. I ordered one. From: Ken Friedman <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 10:09 AM
Subject: Re: mapping analytical methods for design research
Dear Danielle,
Thank you for this excellent suggestion. I would find a map or taxonomy of this kind extremely useful — it would serve many purposes. Teaching students how to engage in analysis is one such purpose. Getting a better overview of these issues for my own benefit is another.
I’d suspect that a great many people feel this way, but in terms of research and in terms of professional design. That’s one reason that Liz Sanders’s article on the Dubberly Design Office web site made so much sense:
http://www.dubberly.com/articles/an-evolving-map-of-design-practice-and-design-research.html <http://www.dubberly.com/articles/an-evolving-map-of-design-practice-and-design-research.html>
Anyhow — I’m eager to read more on these issues.
Yours,
Ken
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