From Design Research to Theory : Evidence of a Maturing Field

As a discipline evolves, research practices mature and begin to define the field they support. The field of design is currently undergoing this type of evolution. Design researchers are undertaking new forms of research, articulating methods and processes, and in some cases, building new theories of and about design. In this paper, we attempt to characterize the maturation of the field of design by understanding theoretical contributions of design research through interviews with design researchers. Our goal is to better understand types of design research in design researchers’ native terms, to understand how design research supports problem framing and the selection of research methods, and to understand if and how the outcomes of design research activities lead to theory construction. Through synthesis and analysis of interviews, we characterize three types of design research: research on design, research for design, and research through design. Our goal in creating these classifications of design research is to move the field forward, and better clarify the relationship between the different types of design research and the relationship between design research and design practice. A deeper understanding of existing and recognized types of design research and their application is an important step in the further refinement and development of design research and particularly design theory.

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