Abstract
The relationships that may exist between two entities are examined, and interpreted when the entities are theory and design. Relationships that sustain theory and design, together, are isolated. A test for the appropriateness of a theory to its subject is introduced. The importance of developing this test is indicated. Ways of building theory that avoid the need for an appropriateness test are also explored. The benefits and weaknesses of these various understandings are considered. While some of the work presented here is already established, the means of establishing it and the degree of abstraction are novel.
Citation
Glanville, R. (2004) Appropriate Theory., 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/179
Appropriate Theory.
The relationships that may exist between two entities are examined, and interpreted when the entities are theory and design. Relationships that sustain theory and design, together, are isolated. A test for the appropriateness of a theory to its subject is introduced. The importance of developing this test is indicated. Ways of building theory that avoid the need for an appropriateness test are also explored. The benefits and weaknesses of these various understandings are considered. While some of the work presented here is already established, the means of establishing it and the degree of abstraction are novel.