This seminar course focuses on the diverse ways in which research is situated in design practices – from occasional episodes within a larger design project: to a sustained, continuous effort integral to the design outcome; and to consulting and independent research practices generating either innovative materials or products, or other research-base services.
Topics addressed within the course include: the complementary and intersecting roles of design and research; the influence of diverse schools of thought on the conduct of both design and research; the ethical standards entailed in the research enterprise; and a broad array of specific exemplars of research employed and embedded in practice.
In addition, students in the class will be able to contribute to the syllabus scope with their suggestions for specific topics and research exemplars that they wish to have included during the term.
