Relating theory and practice in the design research discourse
Paper i proceeding, 2005
This paper gives an example of how we can frame a
discussion about the practice of practice-based design
research through two-dimensional geometrical
visualisations, relating theoretical foundations of
design work with stages of product development. The
starting point was at one hand a wish to be able to get
a clearer overview of how researchers actually work
within practice-based design research, and at the other
hand a wish to be able to externalise different
thoughts on possible ways of performing this type of
research. We found that we were able to put words to
different questions and concerns by visualising design
work in relation to theory and practice through the use
of geometrical concepts, like points, areas and
directed lines.
Through providing a rather concrete example of how
to frame a discourse, the aim is to open up for further
discussions about how design work affects research
outcome.