Short answer
Actively identify and document the knowledge created throughout your design process, not just the final artifact.
- Field
- Modelling
- Source
- Proceedings of DRS (2004)
- Method
- Qualitative analysis and conceptual mapping.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Design projects, particularly in interaction design, are rich sources of knowledge that can be systematically identified and extracted. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2004 study published in Proceedings of DRS. Using Qualitative analysis and conceptual mapping., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Actively identify and document the knowledge created throughout your design process, not just the final artifact.
Mapping Knowledge Generation in Design Projects
Design projects, particularly in interaction design, are rich sources of knowledge that can be systematically identified and extracted.
Proceedings of DRS · 2004
Key Findings
- 01Design documentation has evolved to meet changing design needs.
- 02Specific areas within design projects are more conducive to knowledge generation.
- 03There is a need for refined models for design research and knowledge dissemination.
Application
Design takeaway
Actively identify and document the knowledge created throughout your design process, not just the final artifact.
How to apply
During your design project, maintain a 'knowledge log' where you record insights, decisions, and learnings as they occur, categorizing them by project phase or design activity.
Project actions
- 01Keep a detailed design journal that captures not just what you did, but why you did it and what you learned.
- 02Consider how your project's outcomes and processes could inform others.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a framework for understanding knowledge generation in design.
- +Highlights the importance of design documentation and dissemination.
Limitations
The specific types of knowledge generated might vary significantly depending on the project's scope and discipline.
Reliability & validity
The study's findings are based on conceptual analysis and may require empirical validation across a wider range of design projects to establish broader reliability and validity.
Think critically
How can the 'opportunity map' be adapted to identify and extract knowledge from purely physical product design projects?
Design Principles
"Design knowledge is a valuable byproduct of the design process and should be systematically captured and disseminated."
Understanding where and how knowledge is generated within a design project allows for more effective documentation, dissemination, and reuse of insights. This is crucial for advancing design practice and educating future designers.
What This Means for Your Design
Think about what you learn while doing a design project – that learning is knowledge that can be shared.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the concept of an 'opportunity map' to identify and discuss the knowledge generated in your design project.
- 2.Refer to the evolution of design documentation to justify your own documentation choices.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This design project aimed to identify and extract knowledge generated throughout the design process, following the principles outlined by DiSalvo, Forlizzi, and Gemperle (2004), who mapped opportunities for knowledge generation within design projects, particularly in interaction design. By actively documenting insights and learnings, this project contributes to a more refined model of design research dissemination.
Source
Proceedings of DRS
Discovering and Extracting Knowledge in the Design Project.
journal · 2004
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about mapping knowledge generation in design projects?
- Actively identify and document the knowledge created throughout your design process, not just the final artifact. Evidence: Proceedings of DRS (2004).
- Why does "Mapping Knowledge Generation in Design Projects" matter for design?
- Understanding where and how knowledge is generated within a design project allows for more effective documentation, dissemination, and reuse of insights. This is crucial for advancing design practice and educating future designers.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Actively identify and document the knowledge created throughout your design process, not just the final artifact.
- What were the main findings?
- Design documentation has evolved to meet changing design needs.. Specific areas within design projects are more conducive to knowledge generation.. There is a need for refined models for design research and knowledge dissemination.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative analysis and conceptual mapping..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2004 journal from Proceedings of DRS.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- During your design project, maintain a 'knowledge log' where you record insights, decisions, and learnings as they occur, categorizing them by project phase or design activity.
- What are the limitations?
- The study's focus on interaction design may limit direct applicability to other design disciplines without adaptation.