Universal Methods of Design

RESEARCH METHOD • SYNTHESIS / ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE • RESEARCH DELIVERABLE

70 Research Through Design

Research through design recognizes the design process as a legitimate research activity, examining the tools and processes of design thinking and making within the design project, bridging theory and building knowledge to enhance design practices.¹

Frayling identifies three types of design research: research into design, research through design, and research for design.² Research into design is the most common form, encompassing research activity which studies design, or constitutes research about design, such as historical, aesthetic, perceptual, ...