Design Research and Ambiguity

Green, David Philip and Lindley, Joseph (2021) Design Research and Ambiguity. In: 14th International Conference of the European Academy of Design : Safe Harbours for Design Research. Blucher Design Proceedings . Blucher Publishing House, São Paulo, pp. 291-297. ISBN 9786555060683

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Abstract

Design Research is powerful, promising and increasingly popular, but it is also ambiguous, broad, and contested. In this paper we draw upon interviews with leading Design Researchers and argue that some facets of this ambiguity hamper Design Research’s maturation. This limits the effectiveness of Design to respond to the 21st century’s entwined and complex problems. We argue that by understanding why this ambiguity exists and, where possible, attenuating its effects, the field will be galvanised and its ability to impact the world amplified. This work establishes that we may benefit from being clearer about what we mean when we talk about Design Research and explores some strategies for achieving this.