Synopsis of DRM, a Design Research Methodology

The step-wise, hands-on approach of DRM studies the ways in which design research can best be undertaken to address specific questions. This study gives rise, for the first time, to a generic and systematic design research methodology intended to improve the quality of design research-its academic credibility, industrial significance and societal contribution-by enabling more thorough, efficient and effective procedures. The authors provide a comprehensive list of types of design research linked to appropriate, reliable research methods and supported by illustrative examples throughout the text. Furthermore, DRM affords an overview of supplementary research methods and points the way to their more detailed sources. The practical emphasis of the text is reinforced by a whole section of exemplary design research projects contributed by eminent design researchers and placed in the context of the proposed methodology to demonstrate the application of the variety of methods available in a structured fashion.