Short answer
Structure your design projects with the explicit goal of generating and disseminating knowledge that can inform future design efforts.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Malmö University Publications (Malmö University) (2004)
- Method
- Conceptual analysis and synthesis of design research perspectives.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Design projects can be structured to generate explicit knowledge that benefits other designers, rather than solely focusing on product output. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2004 study published in Malmö University Publications (Malmö University). Using Conceptual analysis and synthesis of design research perspectives., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Structure your design projects with the explicit goal of generating and disseminating knowledge that can inform future design efforts.
Design practice as a vehicle for knowledge creation
Design projects can be structured to generate explicit knowledge that benefits other designers, rather than solely focusing on product output.
Malmö University Publications (Malmö University) · 2004
Key Findings
- 01Design can be performed as a means of constructing relevant knowledge for other designers.
- 02The relationship between design and research is a subject of ongoing debate and exploration.
- 03Different design disciplines (interaction, product, HCI) offer unique perspectives on knowledge creation through design.
Application
Design takeaway
Structure your design projects with the explicit goal of generating and disseminating knowledge that can inform future design efforts.
How to apply
When undertaking a design project, consciously plan how you will document, analyze, and share the lessons learned, the challenges encountered, and the solutions developed, in a way that is accessible and useful to other designers.
Project actions
- 01Clearly define what knowledge you aim to generate from your design project.
- 02Document your design process meticulously, including decisions, rationale, and outcomes.
- 03Consider how your findings can be communicated to a wider audience of designers.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Highlights the research potential inherent in design practice.
- +Encourages a more reflective and analytical approach to design.
Limitations
It can be challenging to balance the demands of creating a functional design with the rigorous documentation and analysis required for knowledge creation.
Reliability & validity
The reliability and validity of the 'knowledge' generated would depend on the rigor of the design process, the clarity of documentation, and the peer review or validation of the findings.
Think critically
To what extent can a single design project truly generate 'knowledge' that is universally applicable, versus context-specific insights?
Design Principles
"Design as Research: Treat design projects not just as opportunities for product development, but as investigations that yield insights and knowledge for the broader design community."
This perspective shifts the focus of design from mere artifact creation to a research-driven process. By documenting and articulating the design process and its outcomes, designers can contribute to a shared body of knowledge, fostering innovation and improving design practices across the field.
What This Means for Your Design
Think about how your design project can teach other designers something new, not just create a cool product.
How to use in your project
- 1.Frame your design project as an investigation into a specific design problem, with the aim of producing actionable knowledge.
- 2.Use your design process to explore and test design theories or principles, and report on your findings.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This design project was approached with the understanding that design practice itself can be a powerful method for generating transferable knowledge. By meticulously documenting the iterative design process, user testing, and the rationale behind key decisions, this project aimed to contribute insights into [specific design area] that can inform future design endeavors within the field.
Source
Malmö University Publications (Malmö University)
Design [x] research: Essays on interaction design as knowledge
journal · 2004
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about design practice as a vehicle for knowledge creation?
- Structure your design projects with the explicit goal of generating and disseminating knowledge that can inform future design efforts. Evidence: Malmö University Publications (Malmö University) (2004).
- Why does "Design practice as a vehicle for knowledge creation" matter for design?
- This perspective shifts the focus of design from mere artifact creation to a research-driven process. By documenting and articulating the design process and its outcomes, designers can contribute to a shared body of knowledge, fostering innovation and improving design practices across the field.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Structure your design projects with the explicit goal of generating and disseminating knowledge that can inform future design efforts.
- What were the main findings?
- Design can be performed as a means of constructing relevant knowledge for other designers.. The relationship between design and research is a subject of ongoing debate and exploration.. Different design disciplines (interaction, product, HCI) offer unique perspectives on knowledge creation through design.
- What research method was used?
- Conceptual analysis and synthesis of design research perspectives..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2004 journal from Malmö University Publications (Malmö University).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When undertaking a design project, consciously plan how you will document, analyze, and share the lessons learned, the challenges encountered, and the solutions developed, in a way that is accessible and useful to other designers.
- What are the limitations?
- The essays represent a specific academic viewpoint and may not cover all practical aspects of design knowledge transfer.