Current literature in doctoral education in design is currently wrestling with the with idea that there is little homogeneity in doctoral design programs, and the dissonance which emerges from lack of confidence in practice based design in general. This paper explores a range of reasons for this lack of confidence, and proposes the benefits of a more interdisplinary approach, which might have multiple consequences. Firstly, applying methodologies from other academic areas could lead to a fruitful and more dynamic perspective of artifacts, highlighting their discursive nature, and secondly, using a specifically designed location, that of a product design observation laboratory could lead to greater collaboration and fidelity in design research from other academics outside of the design field.
Download this article
Professor Andrew Walters
Director of Research