taking it further: the practical implications of action research in the field of design

taking it furtherVikki du PreezDepartment of Research, History and Theory of Art and Design Cape Peninsula University of Technology

taking it further

IntroductionThis is a presentation about action research and design research, but first…

taking it further

Introduction

Changing timesChanging studentsChanging ideas

taking it further

IntroductionNetworks for Design, through Design

designer(s) + client(s) + sometimes manufacturer(s) + sometimes supplier(s) = collaboration/cooperation = design

taking it further

IntroductionNetworks for Design, through Design

learn

taking it further

IntroductionNetworks for Design, through Design

1. cycle of research and learning2. continuous stakeholder involvement3. allow for responsive actions 4. encouraged reflectionThis stated to remind me of…

taking it further

IntroductionNetworks for Design, through Design

…the design process itself and constructivist learning theory.

3 main phases:Context, Calculation & Creative ExplorationSelection & Production Reflection, Adaption and Reflection

Design & Constructivism

Design & Constructivism

Design & Constructivism

taking it further

MethodologyNetworks for Design, through Design

The criteria set out for the research 1. cycle of research and learning2. continuous stakeholder involvement3. allow for responsive actions 4. encouraged reflection

+ taking into account the design process and constructivism.

(Participatory) Action Research

MethodologyNetworks for Design, through Design

Participatory Action ResearchKurt Lewin – planning | action| reflection model

Intention Action Review

What are you hoping to achieve? Who are your stakeholders?

What actions are necessary to find the information you need and reach your goal?

ACTION

Did you achieve your goal? Did you find the information which enabled the change needed?

Yes

No

No

Were the changes appropriate? Did the planned actions lead to appropriate outcomes?

taking it further

1950’s - declined 1970’s – revived | educational focus

Greenwood and Lewin (2001) noted that action research:

“both as a form of multidisciplinary knowledge generation and as a form of stakeholder-centred organizational change, is the best hope for successful university reform”

Participatory Action Research

taking it further

• Focus on a cyclic progression from observation to action.• Acknowledge the importance of stakeholders in the process. • Use the new knowledge in a practical way

Participatory Action Research+ Design

“The purpose of action-oriented research is to generate knowledge that can be used to address practical concerns of local communities, organisations, and groups and incorporates local understandings of specific practices and issues.” (Small and Uttal: 2005:938)

Participatory Action Research+ Design

Allows the design to work in a way which is known, to generate knowledge and apply it in a practical (design) way as well as establishing a platform for reflection.

Participatory Action Research+ Design

Questions?

Fin