Theme #5 Part 2

1.     What is the 'empirical data' in these two papers?

In the first paper (Fernaeus & Tholander) data was collected using prototype. In the second paper (Lundström) data was collected by interviewing and using prototype as well. Also author analysed information gathered from online forums.

2.     Can practical design work in itself be considered a 'knowledge contribution'?

Knowledge contribution means creation new knowledge relying on previously known facts. In my opinion practical design can be considered as knowledge contribution. Practical design is created to solve certain problem, but proposed decision can be base for further research in the same or contiguous areas depending on results and conclusions that can be made using practical design.

3.     Are there any differences in design intentions within a research project, compared to design in general?

In my opinion design intentions within a research paper aim to answer certain questions, prove hypothesis and are intended to influence on research subject or supplement it in certain way. Basically design within research project has contribution on knowledge. Design in general can be aim to satisfy users’ needs, or has just commercial application and don’t have contribution on knowledge.

4.     Is research in tech domains such as these ever replicable? How may we account for aspects such as time/historical setting, skills of the designers, available tools, etc? 

I think that development of technology made research replicable. For instance, it’s possible to use the same software, tools, and approaches. On the other hand, the same research cannot be replicate in another period of time due to new theories and new knowledges. Designers skills are very individual and if we are talking about design that needs exclusively human skills it would be impossible to repeat it.

5.     Are there any important differences with design driven research compared to other research practices?

I think that the main difference is that design driven research is based on observation of users’ behavior and it uses qualitative research methods.