Asking Questions and Questioning Our Questions

This week’s readings discussed a different style of approaching design research. This approach, as explained on the first page of our assigned reading in “Design Research,” uses “Design (As) Research.” Anne Burdick describes “Design as Research” as it compares to other types of design:

“All designers engage in creative exploration in the process of designing, but the difference between design that is simply design and design that serves as research has to do with the goals and outcomes of each (83)”

She goes on to explain that designers conducting research tend to carry their study through an extended period of time, testing their theories and formulating new questions (83). These particular design researchers have found a way to combine their creative practice with theory.

For many of the cases discussed in the assigned reading, a trial-and-error, or learn-as-you-go, approach is taken. In past case studies we have looked at, a question is formed and then qualitative and/or quantitative research is performed and then a product is designed based on the research. For the designers in this section, a question is still formed, but their design helps aid in the answering of that question.

In Lisa Grocott’s essay “Speculation, Serendipity, and Studio Anybody” the question was asked: “What happens when discovery-led research becomes an integral component of professional graphic design practice? (87)” Research was not then performed in order to create a new design, or in this case strategy; rather, the new strategy was implemented in order to find an answer to the given question. The company then discovered a new business strategy, one that was discovery-led instead of client-led; a new client-based collaboration; and a new process which involved running with one idea instead of multiple ideas.

The “Design as Research” approach places a high emphasis on the actual design, and the design process. It helps researchers gain increased knowledge of the design process and the overall creative experience.

Michael Naimark in his essay “Sensory Anomalies” describes his experimental approach to design research; one that places an emphasis on the design as a work of art. In his piece, “Displacements” he discusses his desire “to add spatiality back into cinema.” This leads to a fascinating exploration that involves projecting a flat duplicated film image over its three-dimentional, real-life counterpart. Naimark tried several experiments, or designs, before finding the right combination to create “anomalous space.”

This type of research, like that done by Naimark, is the type of research I am most interested; I want to use experimental art to research a particular theory. But as I ponder possible research questions, none come to mind that would allow such artistic expression. The questions I have brainstormed so far are generally socially based, working towards creating some sort of social change. I’m not really “feeling” any of my current research questions, but as of right now at 1:03 am, this is what I’ve come up with:

1. How can we free artists from the isolation that occurs during the creative experience/process?

2. How can we better keep families in touch and involved in each others live when they live in different locations?

3. How can the internet help aid in the grieving process of those who have experienced the loss of a loved one?

4. How can technology, specifically the internet, ease the hassle of riding public transportation?

Jason has suggested that I narrow my questions; focusing on only one aspect within one question. He suggested, for example, that I incorporate memory into question #2 and the role it plays in keeping families connected. I like that idea. Memory is fascinating to me in general, like its role in shaping our understanding of everything, including our own reality. We rely heavily on our memory and hope that it can be trusted. The topic within question #2 is also the most relatable for myself as I am currently struggling to find ways to stay connected to my family, as they all live several states away.

I think I’ll let these ideas marinate and hope that one will compel me enough to become my research project. Or maybe “How” is the wrong way to start my potential question; perhaps I should be asking, “What if…”