1. What is the
'empirical data' in these two papers?
After the readings for this topic the definition of empirical data to which I reached is
that it is a term describing the facts that are being collected during the
research. Those facts are used in order to either confirm or reject the
formulated hypotheses.
The empirical data is a main prerequisite for the correctness
and the interpretation of certain research.
In those readings the empirical data are:
* The observations that both sides have made in order to gain
initial information about the subject of interest;
* The comparison they make when defining which methods/tools/equipment/environment
to use for determining and gaining more knowledge about the observed area.
* The experimentation, which in both cases I consider as
purposive transformation of the subject of analyzing and observing for
determining its characteristics and features.
2. Can practical
design work in itself be considered a 'knowledge contribution'?
When speaking of practical we can use the term “empirical”
again, and as mentioned already one can reach to certain conclusions using the
methods listed above.
Practical design work includes in itself sensory data combined
with logical reasoning.
We sense the reality and try to rationalize it while processing
the information we gain through our senses. This whole process I consider as
knowledge contribution.
We as researchers might be interested in just one or few aspects
of phenomena so in order to define those we have a selective choice of
observational sides and gain knowledge about those aspects based on observation
and experiment.
3. Are there any
differences in design intentions within a research project, compared to design
in general?
If I have understood the question correctly I would base my
answer on the following comparison between designs in general and design
intentions:
-
Design in general is the whole process of
creating a system as a framework of organized structural elements. It includes
different stages and components that are addressed to different problems and
all combined create a concept/hypothesis/theory or prove a fact. I think design
can be viewed as a series of step each of which focuses on different key points
(constructs).
-
Design intentions – I understand them as a
definition of each of those steps that combined form design in general. They
follow strict and well-established norms and requirements and are being
conducted using advanced statistical methods for example, in order to define
and improve the cause and effect links within the research.
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 do not think that it is possible for a single universal scheme
to be created for all researches so that they can all be run the same way and
achieve all the same results. But the scheme can be followed and depending on
the wanted result, every single case can be constructed slightly different without
loosing the main elements of the design research.
My answer to the question is yes because there are a lot of
contemporary examples of how certain research questions of a great importance
are necessary to be reproduces leading to new findings. This is also needed in
order for a stronger reliability to be achieved.
Once replicated a study has the potential to either empirically
support the original results, to clarify it or to even broaden it to new
levels.
5. Are there any
important differences with design driven research compared to other
research practices?
I think the main difference between other type of researches and the
design research in concrete is the precise and clearly defined purpose that the
design one has.
As significant I would point the fact that when such research is
being conducted, its results are developed corresponding to specific questions
in means of investigation or with other words – it is through making (rather than observing or interviewing) that these
contributions generate new information. (Laurel; 2003:83)
The usual research practices are concerned with setting
understandings about the world around us now, while design driven researches I
perceive as installation of the world that can be developed with future
purposes.
Used sources:
Laurel, Brenda (2003) Design Research: Methods and Perspectives;
MIT Press.
