Design as Research
Practice-Based Research as a Catalyst for Exploration and Understanding
Events of any kind are opportunities for unique individuals with unique experiences and points of view to come together to share, learn, grow, and create. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Practice Research Symposium in New York. This event focuses specifically on practice-based research.
Practice-based research involves making as part of the research process. It emphasizes the act of creation as a fundamental part of the research process itself rather than merely a means to an end.
In design, design thinking, and design strategy, we often discuss tools or methods, such as prototypes or design sprints, as ways to find answers. We make paper prototypes to get user feedback before we invest further. We create design concepts to gain consensus, solicit buy-in, and get direction. We do design sprints to generate new ideas and to create new concepts that solve problems.
What if design thinkers are really design researchers? And what if the work we do is design research?
Would it change anything about how we approach, execute, or talk about the work if we thought about it that way? If we begin to consider our work design research, how might this impact how we use and build upon the work in the future?
What if, instead of using a method to get to an outcome, we see it as the first step in seeking new knowledge? For example, what if the Business Model Canvas is the first step in clarifying what we’re making, who it’s for, and why it’s unique, instead of as a way to summarize the answers to the business model canvas questions? If we choose the former, we can then assume we’re going to take a business model canvas to others, show it to them, gain insights and feedback, and improve and refine it — or understand what we need to do next from it. It’s a tool to learn and build from, not to complete and put on the shelf.
Similarly, what if we approached MVPs (minimally viable products) and MLPs (minimally loveable products) as tools to solicit true user needs or to gain a deeper understanding of possible futures for customers or the marketplace? That would change the role of these from being the first iterations of a product or the sole care of a product group and into vital strategic inputs. It would also mean that every iteration of an MVP or a v1 or after, isn’t a linear narrowing to get to one best product; it is the beginning of multiple branches of many possible products, insights, refinements, and ideas that can be used in many ways by many individuals or parts of an organization.
Embracing this mindset could potentially transform how we approach not just design but any form of creative or research-driven work.
Instead of focusing solely on outcomes or improvements, we could prioritize the process of learning and discovery itself. This shift opens up opportunities for true continuous innovation and deeper understanding, as each creative act becomes a step in an ongoing exploration rather than a step towards a finite conclusion.
There’s so much more to say on this subject, but I’ll pause there for now and open it up to your thoughts:
- What do you think about being a design researcher?
- How would you shift your practice with this new frame in mind?
- Do you agree with what I’ve shared here or disagree? Why?
Leave some comments below and let’s discuss it — I’ve opened them for all subscribers this week.
References and Additional Notes:
- Practice-based research also brings to mind a practice called Provotyping, in which you create to provoke a response. An example would be to create something you know isn’t good and show it to a potential user. In their process of describing why it’s so bad, they tell you what they really want and need or what their real problem needs to be solved. Here’s an interesting article on it: Provotypes: how making annoying things can help you design better
- The New York Practice Research Symposium event is one of four organized by RMIT. RMIT is based in Melbourne, Australia, and holds events there, along with Barcelona and Ho Chi Minh City. Their New York City Symposium is held in partnership with Parsons The New School. Learn more about RMIT and the Practice Research Symposium.
This newsletter is part of Design Thinking for All, a newsletter from Northome Group. Northome Group creates conversations and platforms for connection, conversation, and growth around design thinking and design strategies.
Learn more at www.northomegroup.com or contact us at hello@northomegroup.com.
