Symposium: Design and the growth of Knowledge November 10, 2005

Over the past decade, doing research has emerged as an important aspect of innovative, user-centered design. However, the reverse is often overlooked - namely, that design is an important part of doing research. Design generates knowledge. Knowledge that is difficult to acquire by other means, especially in interdisciplinary areas, and that can be used beyond the product that was designed. However, the traditional story of science, as told by academic journals, emphasizes the evaluation of existing ideas, leaving the generation of new ideas underexposed. Because designerly ways of doing research have become more prominent not only for product development, but also for research, research management and policy, it is important to acquire a better understanding of this phenomenon.
Aim of the symposium is to develop a common understanding of design as an important part of research, and to provide some examples and insight in 'best practice'.