Short answer

When designing research communication initiatives, consider the institutional context and the specific 'social spaces' where interactions will occur, as these environments significantly shape the effectiveness and nature of the communication.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: Durham e-Theses (Durham University) (2015)
Method: Qualitative investigation using semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis.
Evidence: Moderate effect

Academic researchers' engagement with the public is significantly influenced by the specific 'social spaces' within their institutions where communication activities occur, acting as 'trading zones' for ideas and interactions. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in Durham e-Theses (Durham University). Using Qualitative investigation using semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing research communication initiatives, consider the institutional context and the specific 'social spaces' where interactions will occur, as these environments significantly shape the effectiveness and nature of the communication.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Researcher communication strategies are shaped by institutional 'trading zones'

Durham e-Theses (Durham University) · 2015

Key Findings

01Research communication beyond academia is a diverse and contingent process.
02Interactions between human and non-human actors in specific social spaces shape communication practices.
03University boundary spaces play a role in facilitating or mediating communicative practices.
04The 'impact' component of research evaluation frameworks influences researchers' communication strategies.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When developing communication plans for research projects, map out the potential 'trading zones' within the institution and design engagement activities that are sensitive to the unique atmospheres and interactions present in those spaces.

Project actions

01Consider the 'social spaces' where your design project's communication or user interaction will take place.
02Investigate how institutional policies or support structures might influence your design's communication approach.

Method & Evidence

AimTo explore how academic researchers perceive and practice communication beyond academia, and how institutional boundary spaces and national research evaluation frameworks influence these practices.

MethodQualitative investigation using semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis.

ProcedureResearchers were interviewed about their views on communicating research beyond academia, the social spaces they operate in, the role of university boundary spaces, and the influence of research evaluation frameworks on their communication practices. Documentary analysis was also conducted.

ContextAcademic research institutions in the United Kingdom.

Variables

IVType of institutional social space, role of university boundary spaces, influence of research evaluation frameworks.

DVResearcher's communication practices and views on communicating research beyond academia.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a qualitative insight into the nuanced practices of research communication.
+Explores the often-overlooked influence of institutional context on communication.

Limitations

The findings are specific to the UK context and may not apply directly to research communication in other countries.

Reliability & validity

Reliability might be moderate due to the qualitative nature and potential for interviewer bias. Validity is likely strong in capturing the subjective experiences of researchers regarding their communication practices.

Think critically

How might the concept of 'trading zones' apply to the communication of design principles or user feedback within a design studio or collaborative workspace?

Design Principles

"Design communication strategies to be context-aware and adaptable to the 'trading zone' dynamics of institutional environments."

Understanding these institutional 'trading zones' is crucial for designing effective communication strategies. It highlights that the physical and organizational environment where outreach and engagement happen can either facilitate or hinder the exchange of knowledge between researchers and external stakeholders.

What This Means for Your Design

Where researchers talk to the public matters, and the university's own communication departments and rules can change how they do it.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the contextual factors influencing communication strategies in your design project.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights that the effectiveness of research communication is significantly influenced by the 'social spaces' and 'trading zones' within academic institutions. Understanding these environments, including the role of university boundary offices and national evaluation frameworks, is crucial for designing impactful engagement strategies.

Source

Durham e-Theses (Durham University)

Social Spaces of Research Communication: Investigating atmospheres in zones of trade

journal · 2015

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about researcher communication strategies are shaped by institutional 'trading zones'?: When designing research communication initiatives, consider the institutional context and the specific 'social spaces' where interactions will occur, as these environments significantly shape the effectiveness and nature of the communication. Evidence: Durham e-Theses (Durham University) (2015).
Why does "Researcher communication strategies are shaped by institutional 'trading zones'" matter for design?: Understanding these institutional 'trading zones' is crucial for designing effective communication strategies. It highlights that the physical and organizational environment where outreach and engagement happen can either facilitate or hinder the exchange of knowledge between researchers and external stakeholders.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing research communication initiatives, consider the institutional context and the specific 'social spaces' where interactions will occur, as these environments significantly shape the effectiveness and nature of the communication.
What were the main findings?: Research communication beyond academia is a diverse and contingent process.. Interactions between human and non-human actors in specific social spaces shape communication practices.. University boundary spaces play a role in facilitating or mediating communicative practices.. The 'impact' component of research evaluation frameworks influences researchers' communication strategies.
What research method was used?: Qualitative investigation using semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2015 journal from Durham e-Theses (Durham University).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When developing communication plans for research projects, map out the potential 'trading zones' within the institution and design engagement activities that are sensitive to the unique atmospheres and interactions present in those spaces.
What are the limitations?: The research is based on a single university institution, potentially limiting the generalizability of findings to other academic settings.