Theme 5: Design research

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.