Researching Design Learning: Research methodology

Abstract

Introduction for the 2015 DATA Special Edition This paper was originally published as a chapter that formed a methodological end-piece for ‘Researching Design Learning’ - the book that we published in 2007 with Springer publishers. In the chapter we draw together many of the priorities, approaches and ‘rules of thumb’ that we have developed over the years as our research experience gained momentum and that are exemplified through the research projects described in the book. Through this piece we explore the ‘fit’ between the values of researchers and their clients and how this has impacted in what we have researched and the ways we have gone about the activity. We explore the lessons learned, the critical role of research design and about the design of research instruments, interventions, data collection and data analysis approaches. We explore some of the approaches we have used for bringing research to life for ourselves and others, making it understandable, meaningful and immediate. We conclude by confirming our view that researching is a very design-like activity. Springer publishers have kindly agreed to the re-publication of this slightly modified chapter as part of this Special Edition.