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.

infrastructure for sale

truck typologies

 

 

carbon dioxide eater for inside my car

environmental didacticism

shed light on energy consumption

reduce waste by using it for art

phonetic organization