The generative dance of design inquiry: Exploring Dewey's pragmatism for design research

Abstract

In design research, the activities of design and research coalesce. It introduces thorny epistemological challenges and Dewey's pattern of inquiry is explored for its relevance for design research. First, a logical framework for design inquiry is developed that enables to reach warranted conclusions, retrospectively. Second, a temporal framework of activities is inferred, based on the experiences of two PhD candidates. These frameworks offer guidance to (1) develop transferable knowledge; (2) by oscillating between known theories and uncharted practices until new ideas arise; whereby (3) the value of these ideas is validated through experiments (action validity); and (4) with a community of inquiry (consensual validity). The knowledge produced stems from practice, is tested in practice and serves others in future inquiries. • Dewey's pattern of inquiry is explored for its relevance for design research. • A logical framework is developed that allows to reach justified transferable conclusions, but only retrospectively. • A temporal framework of activities is developed, describing an iterative process of sensemaking, designing and experimenting. • Design inquiry is radically practice-led and bridges the practice-theory divide.