Constructing a Design Research Methodology: Bounding Terms.

I’ve chosen the following bounding terms, by identifying adjacent paths of inquiry:

ecology, recreation and perception

ecology: the relationship of an organism to its environment
(the particulars: behaviors and logistics)

research questions:
how do you support yourself?
where do you live?
where do you work? how do you get there?
what do you eat, and why?

recreation: activity done for enjoyment when one is not working
(gardening is commonly thought of as a pastime and a hobby)

research questions:
what do you do to relax?
what do you do in your free time?
how do you balance work and play?
what do you do for fun?

perception: the ability to become aware of something through the senses
(a way of seeing things, ideas)

research questions:
what’s your perspective?
where do you fit in?
how do you see yourself?
how do you present yourself?
spiritual beliefs?

Constructing a Design Research Methodology: Defining The Scope of Research.

To facilitate open-ended outcomes and to define the scope of my research, I’ve utilized a set of bounding terms. Bounding terms define values for exploring the meaning of the research subject. The are branching out points, as well as constraints. They define the scope of research.

The subject of my research is Growing Your Own Food. Practical concerns within this subject are, health, home economics and time management. A research methodology, bound by these practical concerns would yield a finite set of data. In order to support the possibility of open-ended outcomes from this research project, I’ve identified a few alternative paths of inquiry, adjacent to the practical concerns. These adjacent paths of inquiry will serve as bounding terms for my research.

I've identified adjacent paths of inquiry, to enrich and constrain the scope of research.

Constructing a Design Research Methodology: What’s That?

A design research methodology, is a system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.

A methodology is a philosophy as well as a set of tools. It is developed in relationship to what you want to find out and informs how you go about that exploration.

I’ve approached my subject with a driving research question: What does it mean to grow your own food?

I have the following assumptions, regarding this subject:

To me, growing your own food, is:

-an affordable solution for healthy food
-a way to learn about the immediate natural environment
-an efficient use of residential property

Designer’s Statement

A driving force behind my philosophy as a designer, is a passion for understanding human ecology: people’s perception of their relationship to the material world.  It is a fascinating interplay of materiality, spirituality and innovation.  I am excited by the possibilities for design in an increasingly environmentally concerned population.

UPDATE

Before taking a leave of absence, this spring, I spent time researching ecology, environmental concern and design interventions within the context of the built environment and human behavior.

To utilize this environmental research, I’ve conceptualized an abbreviated human centered design research project. This project applies my interests appropriately and defines my prospective position in the field of design.

I’ve decided that my interest in performance and identity can be applied to the development of personas in the context of human centered design research. I had a primary role in the Passing on the Future personas, that communicated participants’ attitudes towards nature. I enjoyed analyzing and developing this communication device. And, I would particularly enjoy continuing to be professionally involved in this aspect of human centered design research in the future.

I’ve learned from my experiences, over the last year, that it is important for me to set boundaries, limiting the scope of my projects, as well as  to define a specific objective, in order to have a definite framework for inquiry.

welcome back

welcome back, me. I’ve decided to use this blog how I’d originally intended: to discuss my master’s thesis!