In the field of studies, data and method are the core factors
that contribute in creating meaningful results. But whereas most fields have a
preferred method that produces the most relevant data,
design research usually has a need for using multidisciplinary methods in order
to achieve the most useful results. In this
blog post I will present and discuss the key features of design research, and
the benefits – and disadvantages – of this field of study.
As design theory is using different types of methods, and often
even combining several, the data produced often comes in various forms. The
essay “Differentiated driving Range: Exploring a Solution to the Problems with
the Guess-O-Meter” in Electric Cars” by Anders Lundström is a perfect example
of how design research can end up with various forms of data. In order to find
out how to improve the range-estimation of electric cars Lundström have been
driving a selected number of cars, read information, read online forum posts
regarding rage-estimators in electric cars, had semi-structured interviews with
people with different kinds of experience and
tested what he calls the “guess-o-meter” himself. These various approaches
create a combination of qualitative data:
- Experience from
driving the cars
- Opinions and information
from interviews, forums etc.
- Technical data from
testing the guess-o-meter
By analysing these forms of data Lundström can apply them onto
the idea of how and speed estimator should be designed.
However,
design research does not always require more than one method in order to attain
reliable data. In the essay “Finding Design
Qualities in a Tangible Programming Space” by Ylva Fernaeus and Jakob Tholander
only one qualitative method is used. By observations Fernaeus and Tholander are
able to qualitatively analyse children’s behaviour while they are interacting
with a computer program. This means that the only form of empirical data they
attain is the children’s behaviour. Depending on how the children are reacting
and interacting with the program, Fernaeus and Tholander are adjusting their
design step by step in order to achieve the most useful and rewarding system
(result).
With this in mind, I do perceive practical design work as a form
of knowledge production. As the design gradually improves the study tests
different theories, verify and falsify them depending on the data produced and
create information about the most useful/valid design. The method can also generate
valuable information about how to pursue this kind of study or how to approach
the field/object of study. As Fernaeus and Tholander had to go through a lot of
tests before they could determine an appropriate program that integrated
tangibles as representation of digital information - this produced information
about what is and what is not relevant.
I
believe this is the most important difference between design driven research in
comparison to other research methods. Instead of having a strict framework and
path to follow during the research, design research has the advantage of being
open to alterations during it’s methodological process. This also causes a
different approach to the result: instead of expecting an certain answer or
result, design research’s goal seems to mainly de finding the most
reliable/relevant option.
Although
design research is useful and advantageous in many ways considering how
adaptable it is depending on the circumstances, I do believe it has a
disadvantage. With modern technology developing in a fast pace, and the social
(physical and psychological) conditions with it, it cannot be replicated after
a certain time. Firstly: as the technology have changed, the results may be
different as well depending on whether the technology has become somewhat
dated, or e.g. in Fernaeus and Tholander’s case, because the next generation of
children are a lot more accustomed to growing up in a tech-intergrated society.
Secondly, as technology evolves some kinds of studies becomes irrelevant. As
today’s studies are trying to understand programing in a tangible context,
maybe this won’t be necessary information/knowledge in a couple of years.
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