Abstract
Heterogeneity is regarded as an inherent and significant feature of the emergent and complex field of Design. This pluralism is recognised as an important factor underpinning design’s increasingly significant role and position as an ‘inter’discipline which is both integrative and an interface and has the potential to bridge traditional divisions such as the ‘natural’ orientation of sciences and the ‘social’ orientation of the humanities through a ‘third culture’ concerned with the ‘artificial’ (Jonas, 2000). It is also recognised as contributing to the increasing articulation and vibrancy of design discourse. However there is a critical need for greater relational understanding between different theoretical positions and research practices. This paper discusses ongoing research into the development of relational models based on an analysis and interpretation of different design research theories and reflections on how such hermeneutical models might inform the design of information resources about design research methodology. There is a recognition in the approach taken to this analysis and modelling, that the pre-understandings of an author, of an analyst, reader or researcher, will affect the construction and the understanding of theories. A person using an information resource will approach it through his or her existing knowledge frameworks and historical understandings. This perspective, informed by information hermeneutics, recognises limitations in traditional computational approaches towards the construction of formal information structures as well as the need for greater relational understanding across the diverse concerns of the field.
Citation
Frances, J. (2010) Reading the Tea Leaves: Patterns of Theorisation About Design Research, in Durling, D., Bousbaci, R., Chen, L, Gauthier, P., Poldma, T., Roworth-Stokes, S. and Stolterman, E (eds.), Design and Complexity - DRS International Conference 2010, 7-9 July, Montreal, Canada. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2010/researchpapers/42
Reading the Tea Leaves: Patterns of Theorisation About Design Research
Heterogeneity is regarded as an inherent and significant feature of the emergent and complex field of Design. This pluralism is recognised as an important factor underpinning design’s increasingly significant role and position as an ‘inter’discipline which is both integrative and an interface and has the potential to bridge traditional divisions such as the ‘natural’ orientation of sciences and the ‘social’ orientation of the humanities through a ‘third culture’ concerned with the ‘artificial’ (Jonas, 2000). It is also recognised as contributing to the increasing articulation and vibrancy of design discourse. However there is a critical need for greater relational understanding between different theoretical positions and research practices. This paper discusses ongoing research into the development of relational models based on an analysis and interpretation of different design research theories and reflections on how such hermeneutical models might inform the design of information resources about design research methodology. There is a recognition in the approach taken to this analysis and modelling, that the pre-understandings of an author, of an analyst, reader or researcher, will affect the construction and the understanding of theories. A person using an information resource will approach it through his or her existing knowledge frameworks and historical understandings. This perspective, informed by information hermeneutics, recognises limitations in traditional computational approaches towards the construction of formal information structures as well as the need for greater relational understanding across the diverse concerns of the field.