Abstract
In recent decades, Design Research Labs have proliferated across design educational institutions worldwide, emerging as dynamic spaces that challenge traditional pedagogical models. However, understanding this contemporary phenomenon requires contextualizing it within the historical origins of the laboratory metaphor in design—a concept repeatedly reimagined over nearly a century. Building upon Hasenhütl's (2018, 2023) identification of two historical generations from the early to mid-20th century, this research extends the genealogy to encompass contemporary developments, with particular attention to socio-ecological themes. The analysis reveals four distinct generations of Design Research Labs that do not follow strictly linear chronological progression but represent "expanding parameters" shaped by evolving societal, technological, and scientific contexts generating multiple parallel developments. This genealogical approach situates current practices within broader historical trajectories, enhancing comprehension of how design research laboratories have transformed as fundamental concepts in design education and practice, while illuminating their continuing potential to shape design's future.
Keywords
design research labs; design labs;
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.2153
Citation
Harles, L. (2026) Design Research Laboratories: A historical review, in Simeone, L., Gray, C. M., Verhoeven, A., de Götzen, A., Bakırlıoğlu, Y., Zohar, H., Stead, M., and Buwert, P. (eds.), DRS2026: Edinburgh, 8–12 June, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.2153
Creative Commons License
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Included in
Design Research Laboratories: A historical review
In recent decades, Design Research Labs have proliferated across design educational institutions worldwide, emerging as dynamic spaces that challenge traditional pedagogical models. However, understanding this contemporary phenomenon requires contextualizing it within the historical origins of the laboratory metaphor in design—a concept repeatedly reimagined over nearly a century. Building upon Hasenhütl's (2018, 2023) identification of two historical generations from the early to mid-20th century, this research extends the genealogy to encompass contemporary developments, with particular attention to socio-ecological themes. The analysis reveals four distinct generations of Design Research Labs that do not follow strictly linear chronological progression but represent "expanding parameters" shaped by evolving societal, technological, and scientific contexts generating multiple parallel developments. This genealogical approach situates current practices within broader historical trajectories, enhancing comprehension of how design research laboratories have transformed as fundamental concepts in design education and practice, while illuminating their continuing potential to shape design's future.