Paradigmatic Clusters in Design Research

Thanks, Jonas, for letting me know about the DesignResearchNetwork. Here I will describe what the “topography of design research” is about. Since I spend most of my time in practice, this map is about the practice of design research in the design development process. It is about design research for the design of products, systems, spaces, buildings, etc. And it is even more about the new ways that we will be researching and designing for experiencing, serving, transforming, etc. in the future. I see the map changing over time (and it is already starting to do that).
I have three objectives:
1. I think you are right in that there are many communities of design research. I hope that this map will expose the connections between the communities so they will talk more with one another in constructive ways.
2. My aim is for the map to help people understand that all the clusters provide useful, relevant information and/or inspiration to the design development process. What we need to learn more about is how to take the best paths though the landscape throughout the design development process.
3. Looking at it from an historical perspective reveals forces of change over time and space. Looking at it with an anticipatory perspective can reveal opportunities.
So the map was not created for “theorizing about designing” not is it a “design theory for education”. If it is useful for those purposes, that is good.
I welcome comments, questions and suggestions. Keep in mind that the map will look different depending on where you are “standing”. Feel free to draw the landscape as you see it.
Thanks, Liz Sanders