Abstract
This paper presents a model for framing knowledge based on the needs of communication design (design) and a way of using knowledge from other fields to develop an integrated body of design knowledge including both theory and findings. It focuses on the challenges of appropriating and translating knowledge from other fields into design knowledge. It uses theory and experiment to examine: 1 A notion of knowledge that is appropriate to design. 2 The use of findings and research methods from other fields within design. 3 Developing a specific, design oriented body of knowledge starting with insights and research findings from other fields. It presents a framework for design knowledge into which the knowledge from outside fields can be translated and in which they can be systematically used. It applies its model to experimental research in communication design to show: 1 How to define knowledge for design. 2 How to construe knowledge from other fields in that context. 3 How knowledge from other fields can be translated for specific projects or as jumping-off points for building design knowledge and findings. 4 How knowledge from outside fields can be appropriated without becoming entangled in the philosophical orientations and debates of those fields. In this way, communication design can build consistent, non-reductive and adaptable knowledge that is operational, rigorous, actionable and consistent with the evolutionary and transformational goals of design.
Citation
Storkerson, P. (2004) Grounding Knowledge from Other Fields in Communication Design., in Redmond, J., Durling, D. and de Bono, A (eds.), Futureground - DRS International Conference 2004, 17-21 November, Melbourne, Australia. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2004/researchpapers/122
Grounding Knowledge from Other Fields in Communication Design.
This paper presents a model for framing knowledge based on the needs of communication design (design) and a way of using knowledge from other fields to develop an integrated body of design knowledge including both theory and findings. It focuses on the challenges of appropriating and translating knowledge from other fields into design knowledge. It uses theory and experiment to examine: 1 A notion of knowledge that is appropriate to design. 2 The use of findings and research methods from other fields within design. 3 Developing a specific, design oriented body of knowledge starting with insights and research findings from other fields. It presents a framework for design knowledge into which the knowledge from outside fields can be translated and in which they can be systematically used. It applies its model to experimental research in communication design to show: 1 How to define knowledge for design. 2 How to construe knowledge from other fields in that context. 3 How knowledge from other fields can be translated for specific projects or as jumping-off points for building design knowledge and findings. 4 How knowledge from outside fields can be appropriated without becoming entangled in the philosophical orientations and debates of those fields. In this way, communication design can build consistent, non-reductive and adaptable knowledge that is operational, rigorous, actionable and consistent with the evolutionary and transformational goals of design.