Theme 5: Design Research

What is the 'empirical data' in these two papers?

Empirical data can be understood as the information and knowledge that is being acquired by means of experimentation, observation or experience.

The empirical data in the paper written by Fernaeus and Tholander was gathered by using a prototype in which they collected qualitative data. By observing and documenting how people from their target group, in this case kids, interacted with the prototype, the authors could draw conclusions based on the qualitative data that was collected. The empirical data in the paper written by Lundström was also gathered by developing and analyzing a prototype, as well as collecting data by interviews and testing the available electric cars on the market.

Can practical design work in itself be considered a 'knowledge contribution'?

According to Lundström, a design oriented research process is an effective method of generating knowledge since the process of developing, testing and analyzing the proof-of-concept leads to discovering and realizing different unknown factors. I think a practical design work is a good way to visualize a problem as well as a possible solution which I think can lead to a deeper understanding of it since it becomes more “real”. A deeper understanding of a problem or solution very much helps when facing different problems or questions. I also think by visualizing the problem, and solution for that matter, often emphasizes new perspectives of a project which can result in new information and knowledge.

Are there any differences in design intentions within a research project, compared to design in general?

Yes, I would argue that there are quite many differences in design intentions within a research project compared to design in general. Design within a research project is a tool for gaining knowledge about a specific topic or issue that is being investigated. Visualize a problem is a possible use for design within this field. It could also be about gaining knowledge about a certain design process with the intention to improve it. When talking about design in general, for example designing a new product or service, I would say that there is more focus on the functionality and optimizing the product or service rather than the process. In contrast to design within a research project where the aim is to gain knowledge and insights about an issue, design in general is more about the development of a product. The aesthetics and functionality is emphasized.

Is research in tech domains such as these ever replicable? How may we account for aspects such as time/historical setting, skills of the designers, available tools, etc?

I think research in tech domains is replicable, to some extent. However, what is important to take into account when talking about the field of technology is that technology develops continuously as we speak with a great speed. Therefore, especially the aspects of time and historical setting is of great importance within tech domains. You could of course replicate the same research after a period of time, but the outcome might vary due to the technology development. New and more efficient ways for compiling research is daily presented and with them also the conditions. It is therefore important to bear in mind the time and historical setting for the research, i.e. under which conditions the research was compiled. To sum up, the ever-growing development in the technology field will affect the possibility to replicate research in such domains.

Are there any important differences with design driven research compared to other research practices?

Compared to other research practices, the main intention of design driven research is to understand and improve a specific process or design practice in itself rather than gaining a deeper knowledge about a specific issue within a certain domain which often is the focus of other research practices. Another difference is that the method used within a design driven research is usually qualitative since it often includes some form of user observation to collect the required empirical data. Other research practices are not as restricted to use qualitative methods but could instead choose to use quantitative methods in order to collect data that is relevant for the study.