Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the problem of the nature, role and purpose of the research exhibition. The problem arises from the desire of practitioner-researchers to use the exhibition as a research tool. However, at present it is not clear whether, and in which way, the research exhibition is different from an ordinary exhibition, nor what its particular contribution to research might be. We investigate the problem of the research exhibition in relation to the conventional art/design exhibition as a familiar medium of communication in art & design. We compare the aims of research and practice, and we analyse how the aims of practice are served and communicated by the exhibition. We then conjecture how the research exhibition might serve to advance and communicate research, and on its potential form and purpose, by differentiating it from the art/design exhibition and its purpose. The outcome of the research is a set of criteria with which to identify and differentiate the research exhibition from a conventional exhibition. We conclude that the research exhibition can be used both as a research tool and as a means of communication of research.
Keywords
Research exhibition, research methods, knowledge, communication, artefacts.
Citation
Niedderer, K., Biggs, M., and Ferris, M. (2006) The Research Exhibition: context, interpretation, and knowledge creation, in Friedman, K., Love, T., Côrte-Real, E. and Rust, C. (eds.), Wonderground - DRS International Conference 2006, 1-4 November, Lisbon, Portugal. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2006/researchpapers/41
The Research Exhibition: context, interpretation, and knowledge creation
In this paper, we investigate the problem of the nature, role and purpose of the research exhibition. The problem arises from the desire of practitioner-researchers to use the exhibition as a research tool. However, at present it is not clear whether, and in which way, the research exhibition is different from an ordinary exhibition, nor what its particular contribution to research might be. We investigate the problem of the research exhibition in relation to the conventional art/design exhibition as a familiar medium of communication in art & design. We compare the aims of research and practice, and we analyse how the aims of practice are served and communicated by the exhibition. We then conjecture how the research exhibition might serve to advance and communicate research, and on its potential form and purpose, by differentiating it from the art/design exhibition and its purpose. The outcome of the research is a set of criteria with which to identify and differentiate the research exhibition from a conventional exhibition. We conclude that the research exhibition can be used both as a research tool and as a means of communication of research.