Introduction to ‘Constructive Design Research’ (DCM100)

Prof.dr.ir. Stephan Wensveen

Structure of Lecture
1) Introduction

2) About Constructive Design Research

3) Further motivation for the course, learning goals

3) Set-up of the course

Align expectations
Introduction

Stephan Wensveen & Lenneke Kuijer

’Responsible Teacher’ since 2011
Grew from 13 to 130 students

This year…

3
 Who are you?

Disciplinary background?
Cultural background?
Prior experience with design research?
What is this course about?
Design Research
 Design Process
Product
Research Activities Service
System

thanks to Gillian Crampton Smith

 Research Process

Design
Design Activities
Knowledge

Design Process
Product
Research Activities Service
System

thanks to Gillian Crampton Smith

Design & Research
How are they similar?

How are they different?

Design & Research
Are similar, as they both typically:
• investigate something
• address a problem or opportunity
• produce outcome (e.g. knowledge/product)
• are systematic, deliberate, intentional
• build on the existing (knowledge/products)
• challenge the existing (knowledge/products)
• are assessable by a community of practitioners

thanks to Ben Matthews

Design & Research
Are different, with respect to Objectives:
• Outcomes—knowledge is not a thing
• Problems—design problems are practical; research problems are
not always practical
• Criteria
Design is assessed by criteria such as:
• aesthetics, functionality, marketability, usability,
efficiency
Research is assessed by criteria such as:
• rigour, clarity, methodicity, conformance to logic or
science, coherence (then, maybe, to practical criteria)

thanks to Ben Matthews

Design & Research
Are different, with respect to Community:

• Knowledge, yes… but for whom? for what?

-Research shared with the community, broader applicability and be
transferable

• Audience and dissemination

-Research must be publishable, articulable, expressible (it is not for
the audience to do the analysis & open to critique)

thanks to Ben Matthews

Design Research

Research contributions
from many directions
… for design
… about design

12
FRAYLING (1993)
The distinction between:
• Research into design (historical, aesthetic, perspectives on design)
• research for Design (designers and their practice as the object of
their study)

• Research through Design (the design process becomes the research

process, and the results are communicated through the artefact)
ARCHER (1995)
The distinction between:

• Research about practice (e.g. studies of design, designs, designers)

• Research for practice (e.g. user or material studies to inform design)
• Research through practice (e.g. the design process becomes a process of
inquiry, as in action research)
 Research through Design

Research Process
Product
Service Product
Product
Through Design System
Activities Service Knowledge
Service
System System
 Why does ID teach you

Research through Design?

(RtD: the design process becomes the research process, and the results are communicated through the artefact)
From Design Research to…

…Research through Design…

…to Constructive Design Research

Constructive Design Research

“research that imagines and builds new things and describes

and explains these constructions”

(Koskinen, Zimmerman, Binder, Redström and Wensveen, 2011, p.6).

Book 2011
Ilpo Koskinen
John Zimmerman
Thomas Binder
Johan Redstrom
Stephan Wensveen
Research for the book
Look at what best design research practices were doing

Criterium 1: research has to be integrated: link theoretical thinking

with studio work and doing actual designs

Criterium 2: research programmes have to be successful, with a

community behind it
Fundamental Observation 1
hundreds of methods, but few methodologies

methods: the specific tools and procedures you use to collect and analyze data
(e.g. experiments, interviews, and statistical tests)

methodology: the overarching strategy and rationale of your research project

http://uocontemporarydesign.blogspot.dk
 3
Collaborative

showing their samples and talking about them with other

Fundamental Observation 2Individual

Design Things in Research drawing schematics

• mood boards, story boards, sketches, comparing performance of

conductive materials

drawings, diagrams, physical prototypes,

virtual prototypes
exploring materials
for tactile interface

Chapter 8: ‘Design Things’

Lecture in Week 3: The Role of Things in
Research through Design
Material Perception

6
annotating screenshots

Page Numbers will be added here and either cente

2

! Short-sleeve T-shirt, ! Kangaroo pocket ! Smooth plasticised ! The outside environ- ! Solar cells transform ! The casual character,
soft and flexible lamination ment is transformed the perception of the soft feel and regular
with stiffer areas ! Playful pattern/print into a potential wearer’s body; ampli- fit amplify the expe-
with embroidered ! Conductive yarn source of energy fying it as a harvester rience of the shirt as
! Dark-blue, double-knit character and carrier of energy ‘everyday garment’
fabric with texture, ! Electrical wire ! The solar cells amplify
relatively heavy and ! Dark-blue solar cells with mini USB the wearer’s perception ! The solar cells amplify ! The stiffer areas amplify
spongy/sculptural ! Electrical energy ! Solar charging module of weather conditions the ‘eco’ appearance the experience of the

24
(PCB) with battery and the experience of the wearer shirt as relatively fragile
! Straight fit, dropped ! Silver-coloured, printed of heat and light
hemline at the back inside 3D-printed casing ! Embodied energy
circuit, thin, bendable
but not stretchable amplifies the perception
of energy usage

Fig. 102 Annotations Fig. 103 Annotations

describing the material describing the perception
qualities of the Solar Shirt qualities of the Solar Shirt

162 163
Fundamental Observation 3
Symbolic
Design turned out not to be an abstract Interactionism
and general discipline, but particularistic Pragmatism
and specific. Phenomenology
Influenced by philosophies and theories Ecological Ethnomethodology
Perception Consumer
Psychology
Philosophy Structuralism
Chapter 7: ‘How to Work with Theory’ Theories Surrealism Critical Theory
Lecture in Week 3: The Role of Theory in Radical Design
Research through Design Situationism

25
Set up of the course
Week 1: Learn about methodologies. Choose
Week 2: Learn about topics. Choose. Form team
Week 3: Frame inspirational starting point
Week 4: Design
Week 5: Collect ‘data’
Week 6: Analyse ‘data’
Week 7: Conclude insights
Week 8: Present research & discuss
Week 9: Finish team article , personal deliverables
Fundamental Observation 1
hundreds of methods, but few methodologies

methods: the specific tools and procedures you use to collect and analyze data
(e.g. experiments, interviews, and statistical tests)

methodology: the overarching strategy and rationale of your research project

http://uocontemporarydesign.blogspot.dk
Lab
Frens, 2006

Wensveen, 2005

Ross, 2008

Koskinen, Zimmerman, Binder, Redström & Wensveen (2011)

Lab Approach (exemplary case)
Tangible Interaction
Inspired by theory and new technology

Ecological Perception

Affordances

Affective Technology

Emotional theory

29 Wensveen (2005)
Lab Approach (exemplary case)

Inspired by theory and new technology

Design for systematic variations

30 Wensveen (2005)
 • Hypothesis:
This design can recognize the affective
Lab Approach (exemplary case) state of the user and the level of urgency
from the way the user sets the alarm
Inspired by theory and new technology
Design for systematic variations
Test hypothesis in controlled experiments

31 Wensveen (2005)
Lab Approach (exemplary case)

Inspired by theory and new technology

Design for systematic variations
Test hypothesis in controlled experiments
Quantitative data and statistics to find
differences, correlation or causality

32 Wensveen (2005)
 time

Lab Approach (exemplary case) location

direction
modality
dynamics

Inspired by theory and new technology time

expression

time

Design for systematic variations location

Functional information
Inherent information
location direction

Test hypothesis in controlled experiments modality

dynamics

Action
direction
Quantitative data and statistics to find expression

time time
differences, correlation or causality modality

Augmented information
location
direction location
Design driven research: empirical dynamics
modality

evidence, frameworks, theoretical expression

dynamics
expression
direction

concepts modality
location
direction
dynamics
modality
dynamics
expression expression

33 Wensveen (2005)
Summary: Lab Approach
Inspired by theory and new technology
Design for systematic variations
Test hypothesis in controlled experiments
Quantitative data and statistics to find differences, correlation or
causality
Design driven research: empirical evidence, frameworks, theoretical
concepts
Field
Maypole, 1999

Vila Rosario, 2007

iFloor, 2002

Koskinen, Zimmerman, Binder, Redström & Wensveen (2011)

Field Approach (Exemplary case)
Mobile Technology
Inspired by new technology, design or
context of use

User Experience
Social Interaction

36 Battarbee (2004)
Field Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by new technology, design or

context of use
Design to understand the new opportunity

37 Battarbee (2004)
Field Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by new technology, design or

context of use
Design to understand the new opportunity
Observe in context of natural settings

38 Battarbee (2004)
Field Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by new technology, design or

context of use
Design to understand the new opportunity
Observe in context of natural settings
Ethnographic analysis

39 Battarbee (2004)
Field Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by new technology, design or

context of use
Design to understand the new opportunity
Observe in context of natural settings
Ethnographic analysis
Focus on how people create meaning with
technology, design, in context

40 Battarbee (2004)
Summary: Field Approach
Inspired by new technology, design or context of use
Design to understand the new opportunity
Observe in context of natural settings
Ethnographic analysis
Focus on how people create meaning with technology, design, in context
Showroom
Drift Table, 2007

Slogan Bench, 1999

Placebo, 2001

Koskinen, Zimmerman, Binder, Redström & Wensveen (2011)

 Situationists, a collective of artist-
provocateurs based largely in Paris
Showroom Approach (Exemplary case) from the late 1950s to early 1960s

Inspired by art (design is closer to reality

than art)

Surrealism
Critical theory

43 Gaver et al. 1999

 Computation & Spirituality
Showroom Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by art (design is closer to reality

than art) Designing for older people
Drift away from the current trends and
norms

Critical theory

Materiality & Aesthetics

Openness & Specificity

44 Gaver, Blythe, Boucher, Jarvis, Bowers & Wright (2010)

Showroom Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by art (design is closer to reality

than art)
Drift away from the current trends and
norms
Design high quality alternative

45 Gaver, Blythe, Boucher, Jarvis, Bowers & Wright (2010)

Showroom Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by art (design is closer to reality

than art)
Drift away from the current trends and
norms
Design high quality alternative
Expose design (use, exhibit, share…)
& collect data The device is now very much a part
of their daily lives. The Mother
Abbess noted “we’re always talking
about it. We just had midday
service and Sister Matthew said –
the prime minister’s going to visit a
[local] family and I said – yes I’ve
just seen that [laughs]”.

46 Gaver, Blythe, Boucher, Jarvis, Bowers & Wright (2010)

 Computation & Spirituality:
Showroom Approach (Exemplary case) Computers Can Support Prayer

Inspired by art (design is closer to reality

than art) Designing for older people:
Older People are Nuns, and Fishermen, and…
Drift away from the current trends and
norms
Design high quality alternative
Expose design (use, exhibit, share…)
Critical analysis of changing perspectives
Materiality & Aesthetics:
Materiality is Meaning

Openness & Specificity:

Openness Complements Specificity

47 Gaver, Blythe, Boucher, Jarvis, Bowers & Wright (2010)

Summary: Showroom Approach
Inspired by art
Drift away from the current trends and norms
Design high quality alternative
Expose design (use, exhibit, share…)
Critical analysis of changing perspectives
Beyond knowledge: Design for Debate
 Material Perception

‘Studio’
Wearable technology
! Short-sleeve T-shirt, ! Kangaroo pocket ! Smooth plasticised ! The outside environ- ! Solar cells transform ! The casual character,
soft and flexible lamination ment is transformed the perception of the soft feel and regular
with stiffer areas ! Playful pattern/print into a potential wearer’s body; ampli- fit amplify the expe-
with embroidered ! Conductive yarn source of energy fying it as a harvester rience of the shirt as
! Dark-blue, double-knit character and carrier of energy ‘everyday garment’
fabric with texture, ! Electrical wire ! The solar cells amplify
relatively heavy and ! Dark-blue solar cells with mini USB the wearer’s perception ! The solar cells amplify ! The stiffer areas amplify
spongy/sculptural ! Electrical energy ! Solar charging module of weather conditions the ‘eco’ appearance the experience of the
(PCB) with battery and the experience of the wearer shirt as relatively fragile
! Straight fit, dropped ! Silver-coloured, printed of heat and light
hemline at the back inside 3D-printed casing ! Embodied energy
circuit, thin, bendable
but not stretchable amplifies the perception
of energy usage

Fig. 102 Annotations Fig. 103 Annotations

describing the material describing the perception
qualities of the Solar Shirt qualities of the Solar Shirt

162 163

Digital Craftsmanship

Bio-materials

e.g. van Dongen (2019), Goveia da Rocha, Andersen, Tomico (2022), Barati, Karana, Pont, Van Dortmont (2021)
‘Studio’ Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by new opportunity (material,

theory, perspective)

50 van Dongen (2019)

‘Studio’ Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by new opportunity (material,

theory, perspective)
Driven by practice (design, craft, engineering)

51 van Dongen (2019)

‘Studio’ Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by new opportunity (material,

theory, perspective)
Driven by practice (design, craft, engineering)
Explore your making in experiential journeys

52 van Dongen (2019)

‘Studio’ Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by new opportunity (material,

theory, perspective)
Driven by practice (design, craft, engineering)
Explore your making in experiential journeys
Analyse making from 1st person perspective
(or co-analyse)

53 van Dongen (2019)

‘Studio’ Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by new opportunity (material,

theory, perspective)
Driven by practice (design, craft, engineering)
Explore your making in experiential journeys
Analyse making from 1st person perspective
(or co-analyse)
New opportunity as lens for reflection

54 van Dongen (2019)

‘Studio’ Approach (Exemplary case)

Inspired by new opportunity (material,

theory, perspective)
Driven by practice (design, craft, engineering)
Explore your making in experiential journeys
Analyse making from 1st person perspective
(or co-analyse)
New opportunity as lens for reflection
Share knowledge with your wider community
of practice

55 van Dongen (2019)

Summary ‘Studio’ Approach
Inspired by new opportunity (material, theory, perspective)
Driven by practice (design, craft, engineering)
Explore your making in experiential journeys
Analyse making from 1st person perspective (or co-analyse)
New opportunity as lens for reflection
Share knowledge with your wider community of practice
Four Methodologies
Lab, Field, Showroom, Studio
Overarching strategies for ways of doing Research through Design
Intentional, but open for emergence (nuances, variations, etc.)
Questions?
Lab, Field, Showroom, Studio
Overarching strategies for ways of doing Research through Design
Intentional, but open for emergence (nuances, variations, etc.)
Framing CDR course within ID Master

End goal of the Master of Science in

Industrial Design:
“…able to conduct research and design
independently”

Expertise Area: Design & Research

Processes
Professional Skills: Academic Writing

Prepare for your individual research

project M1.2 next semester
Introduction to Master track: Constructive
Design Research

59
Framing CDR course within ID Master
End goal of the Master of Science in Industrial Design:
“…able to conduct research and design independently”

Expertise Area: Design & Research Processes

Professional Skills: Academic Writing

Prepare for your individual research project M1.2 next semester

Introduction to Master track: Constructive Design Research
For you…
Introduction to doing research
Introduction to doing research through design
Introduction to doing research through design at our department

Different design research methodologies

Explore or define your Professional Identity with the methodology
Explore or define your Vision with the research topic

Collect evidence for your Portfolio

Learning Goals
-Knowledge about one of methodologies (Lab, Field, Showroom,
Studio) to 'Constructive Design Research' by reading the relevant
chapter and related articles and background research
-Skills in 'doing' the approach
(constructing the 'research question' in relation to the research
prototypes, gathering and analyzing data, presenting the insights
from your research in an exhibition and final presentation, applying
the theories to the research design)
-Attitude in 'doing' the approach
(organizing the specific research through design approach with an
attitude that fits the approach)
-Gain awareness about the other approaches through the course,
informal discussions and the final group presentations and discussion
Additional Goals
Gain awareness about the research topics being done at the
department of ID (past, present, future of research at ID, research
groups, researchers, research topics, methodologies)

Gain understanding about research group and research clusters

(research topics, researchers and publications)

Understand how design research plays a role in your professional

identity as a designer

Understand how the research topic can play a role in your Vision
How to choose… (Assignment 1)
1. Read the chapters Lab, Field, Showroom and ‘Studio’ material
2. After each chapter, reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the
methodology in relation to how you want to develop yourself as a
Professional Designer/Researcher
3. Make a motivated order of preference for your design research
methodology
4. Define learning goals for the course in relation to how you want to
develop yourself as a Professional Designer/Researcher. At the end of
the course you will reflect on these learning goals.
5. Write and submit: Motivation for your preferred Methodology and use
referenced quotes to the specific literature. Individual learning goals
for the entire course. No more than one A4 (<500 words)
6. Self-assign yourself to one of the 'Methodology Groups’ (Canvas)
To Canvas…

https://canvas.tue.nl/courses/25094