Knowledge exchange through the design PHD

Abstract

This co-authored paper,'Knowledge Exchange through the Design PhD', appears in Practice-Based Design Research - an edited book by Laurene Vaughan. The book presents a collection of case studies with contributors addressing a range of models and approaches to practice-based design research. Specifically, the paper reflects upon the experiences of one RCA/CX PhD candidate and two supervisors in the context of an AHRC-funded Creative Exchange Hub (CX)- a consortia of three UK universities led by Lancaster University with Newcastle University and the Royal College of Art. The paper introduces the CX PhD model and proposes its value for design research through the relationship formed between academics, industry partners and PhD researchers. The authors introduce the concept of 'interorganizational' research with a discussion of how academic and non-academic partners work together in order to build new knowledge in the design, production and use of digital public spaces.