The emergence of Design Research, since the early '1960's followed the recognition of the increasing complexity of design problems and the need to develop tools and methods.' The practice of design is a complex iterative process, the research of which is still in the process of defining and establishing what design research is.
The overall aim of design research is to develop an accessible, robust body of knowledge that enhances our understanding of design processes, applications, methods and contexts (Design Council, UK, 2005). Design research is all encompassing and essentially embraces the three main approaches to design research; research through design, research for design and research about design (Archer, Bruce, 1981). These approaches occur in and across the three levels of design research as identified by Friedman, Giles, Love, Rust et al; these are basic research, applied research and clinical research. In taxonomy of the field of design research there are three categories, those based on people, process and product. These equate to design epistemology, design praxiology and design phenomenology (Cross, Nigel 2000).
Cecilia Heffer 2006
"Lacework"
Practice-based, practice-led research and practice integrated research are emerging research domains within the field of design research. These domains originated in the early 1990's when design schools and their courses began the transitional process from college education to Universities. Like all new research domains, practice-based, practice-led research and practice integrated research are in the process of establishing new common theory and a body of knowledge that requires the adapting of research and educational approaches and concepts from existing domains and the eventual development of approaches and concepts specific to the new domains. For this to be appropriate and effective there is a need for consensus and coherence within the field for both theorists and practitioners.
Whilst other professions, particularly those in the health sciences have embraced and progressed practice-based and practice-led research in their field, Design is still working toward shared understandings and coherent approaches.
To this end, in 2005, a research cluster was formed in the Faculty of Design Architecture and Building at UTS to research and discuss issues related to practice-based, practice-led and practice-integrated research. Consisting of a regular cohort of 18 academic and production staff members from across the design discipline - industrial design, visual communication, interior design, fashion and textiles and design studies, the cluster has developed a strong momentum through regular meetings, presentations, discussions regarding selected research papers and projects and ongoing dialogue.
The recent arrival of Professor Dorst to the UTS School of Design has further strengthened the group. Professor Dorst is recognized internationally for his contribution to research in design and to the domains of practice-based and practice-led design research.
This sustained discussion is an obvious outcome of a faculty that has its roots in practice and is symptomatic of an emerging research domain. There is currently a growing impetus and interest in these emerging domains of design research both internationally and across design disciplines. This impetus and interest is evidenced by the increasing number of publications, journals and conferences that focus on practice-based and practice-led research.
Mark Titmarsh 2006
"Moraine Left"
The way forward for all design research lies in the establishment of distinct principles and methods, frameworks and models of design research. This involves contribution from both design practitioners and researchers. Understanding this need in design culture, as researchers, it is essential to position our research interest in a direction that is both accessible and valuable to the world of practice (Jeamsinkul et al, 2002).
To further the discourse around practice-based and practice-led research the UTS School of Design Research Cluster was formed to contribute extensively to opening a dialogue that will position UTS School of Design as an active participant in the emerging field of Design Research, and in particular the domains of practice-led and practice-based research.
