Abstract
A lack of rigor is an existential issue for the field of qualitative design research. Rigor is essential to research of any kind being seen as reputable, but a dearth of applied means creates less-than-rigorous research. There is increased risk when acting upon less-than-rigorous research. Qualitative design researchers are quick to speak of the importance of rigor in their field, but the literature shows few speak to its application when designing its methodology. This study aims to understand how rigor is defined and applied in qualitative design research. We conducted a controlled study, consisting of an interview and survey, with students pursuing a Master of Design degree. We did this to ascertain how they understand and apply rigor when planning qualitative design research. Our findings suggest that the participant group neither applies nor understands how to apply rigor when planning qualitative design research. This indicates an opportunity for augmenting current design research education to prepare researchers to be capable of rigorous, and thus reputable, research.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drslxd.2025.176
Citation
Russell, A.,and Pino, Z.(2025) Understanding & Application of Rigor in Qualitative Design Research, in Clemente, V., Gomes, G., Reis, M., Félix, S., Ala, S., Jones, D. (eds.), Learn X Design 2025, 22-24 September 2025, Aveiro, Portugal. https://doi.org/10.21606/drslxd.2025.176
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Understanding & Application of Rigor in Qualitative Design Research
A lack of rigor is an existential issue for the field of qualitative design research. Rigor is essential to research of any kind being seen as reputable, but a dearth of applied means creates less-than-rigorous research. There is increased risk when acting upon less-than-rigorous research. Qualitative design researchers are quick to speak of the importance of rigor in their field, but the literature shows few speak to its application when designing its methodology. This study aims to understand how rigor is defined and applied in qualitative design research. We conducted a controlled study, consisting of an interview and survey, with students pursuing a Master of Design degree. We did this to ascertain how they understand and apply rigor when planning qualitative design research. Our findings suggest that the participant group neither applies nor understands how to apply rigor when planning qualitative design research. This indicates an opportunity for augmenting current design research education to prepare researchers to be capable of rigorous, and thus reputable, research.