Application of Methods from Social Sciences in Design Research

In many engineering publications on approaches to support design activity, there is little evidence of use of valid empirical data. Proposals often rely on single findings, on assumptions or on experience which are hardly articulated or adequately documented. In the last decade a tradition of empirical design research has developed, using methods from social sciences to investigate design processes and design behaviour. The use of these methods requires their adaptation to the specific problems and demands that are characteristic for the field of design. This paper delivers some fundamental considerations referring to our own experiences in the field of empirical design research.