Pre Theme 5 - Design Research - Part 2

PART II

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

Finding design qualities in a tangible programming space - Fernaeus & Tholander: Data collected from observing the children’s actions when using the prototype.  

Differentiated Driving Range - Lundström: Uses multiple methods such as conducting an state of the art analysis in the beginning, interviewing participants, analyzing blogs and forums.

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

I think that practical design work can be considered as a knowledge contribution. The creators ideas are a part of the design and the design research could lead to further development through other researches. Making it a knowledge contribution.

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

When designing within a research project the method used is usually carefully chosen. Depending on the type of research you can also adapt your design intentions. It could be user centered meaning putting the user in focus when designing or self centered meaning putting yourself in the shoes of the user. I believe that this type of design and general design differ on this type of design being more focused on the functionality aspect of the design rather on mostly fulfilling a sensation as general design does.

4. 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 believe it can be replicable. Although you have to take into account the researchers own knowledge on how a good objectified research is done. It also depends on the type of methods being used. I mean if the research is user centered then it can be replicable, but if the research is self centered that is not possible. And I believe this leads to further development of the tech domain.

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

The design driven research is qualitative. It provides options of conducting the research through observations providing a deeper understanding and more accurate conclusions. This research also strives to make products as good as they could possibly be and focus is more on the functionality and testing. Meanwhile other research practice feels more about contributing with knowledge and information.

SOURCES:

Fernaeus, Y. & Tholander, J. (2006). Finding design qualities in a tangible programming space - Fernaeus & Tholander. Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University.

Lundström, A. (2014). Differentiated Driving Range - Lundström. Media Technology and Interaction Design. KTH Royal Institute of Technology.