Dear Johann and Ali,
Thanks for this very interesting conversation.
I propose a simple differentiation between undergrad and PhD research in
design education. In both, you can learn about basics of different research
methodologies. Teaching research to design undergrads is about providing
skills, tools, and techniques to use research in practice (e.g. user
interview, shadowing, etc.); this is to make better decisions in the design
process. Teaching research to PhDs is about generating design knowledge
that others in design practice or research can use or apply; the goal is
not to design an artifact, but designing can be part of the techniques used
in the methodology. MS programs may be closer to the PhD model. The
difference that students learn research methodology but are not necessarily
expected to generate knowledge of the PhD level.
A more complex category is the MFA, MDes, MGD, MID and other terminal
degrees in design more popular in the US. Recently, these programs are
shifting from only-studio focus to studio with a significant component of
research. To me, it seems that there is no clarity or consensus about what
this research means. I would like to know from colleagues in the US what
research methods or design research means at this design education
category.
A short response to Ken's initial inquiry: I think PhD design research
should offer design practitioners knowledge that they find useful and they
are eager to apply in the design process. Using the example of medical
research (that Ken has used in the past): Good physicians read medical
research to better practice. How do we get design practitioners to read and
use outcomes of PhD level design research? I think this is the major
challenge of PhD education in design.
Best wishes,
Mauricio
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Mauricio Mejía, MDes, PhD
https://co.linkedin.com/in/gmmejia
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