terry and all,
the proposition:
"A design process that acknowledges the necessity of user inclusion becomes
inherently research-based"
is arguable when one shies away from the concept of research as "re-search
of existing evidence for a theory or hypothesis" and defines design research
by something like a "search for plausible arguments in support of a design."
as i have argued also the concept of users must be broadened to stakeholders
as the success of a design depends on more than an (imagined) end user.
including the stakeholders of a design in the design process is a way to
overcome the distinction between knowledge and the application of knowledge
-- left over from enlightenment philosophy -- by bringing stakeholder
conceptions into the very conversations that create design.
i think the word "design research" is an oxymoron that has mislead the
debate. i invite anyone who cares about clarity to find a better word for
the necessary "search for plausible arguments in support of a design."
klaus
-----Original Message-----
From: PhD-Design - This list is for discussion of PhD studies and related
research in Design [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Terence
Love
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 5:32 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Design as Research?
"A design process that acknowledges the necessity of user inclusion becomes
inherently research-based"
Is that necessarily always true?
Its not obvious to me as proven. Nor that user inclusion converts a design
process into design research.
Can someone prove either or give solid evidence for or against either?
Best regards,
Terry
-----Original Message-----
From: PhD-Design - This list is for discussion of PhD studies and related
research in Design [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sneha
Sent: Tuesday, 23 September 2008 1:49 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Design as Research?
I disagree with Parag when he says 'This knowledge is often implicit,
unarticulated and specific to a design situation and therefore can not be
communicated, analyzed, tested or criticized'
And I second what Johann writes,
'... goes through the so-called "normal" design process then possibilities
for observing and recording research data are endless, and a rigorous
design-process observation position is what every designer should be
taught... A design process that acknowledges the necessity of user inclusion
becomes inherently research-based, and it is a short step from "just design"
to "design research" ...'
I practice as a designer and know that if the design is not 'communicated,
analyzed, tested or criticized' we are out of our jobs! An explicit/
implicit expectation of the client is access to all knowledge that has been
generated by our studios in the design process - hence all the design
thinking is articulated, documented and shared (Client funds it!).
Sneha
Dig Design Studio
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