This paper considers how both craft and research can be joined in the enterprise of craft research. The rationale is that craft research is still relatively new compared to mainstream design research and craft being linked to the creation of artefacts as a source of experience and emotion, craft is not usually associated with research and the production of knowledge.The paper discusses the emerging need for creative research in the crafts based on sensibilities of material understanding and human values, which contrast with the current strictures of research. Drawing on current models of design research and knowledge, the paper proposes experiential knowledge as the unifying conceptual underpinning of both. The outcome and contribution of the paper is a better understanding of the relationship of craft and research, and of the value of research for advancing craft as a discipline that is viable and relevant for the future.Keywords: craft research, experience, emotion, knowledge, material understanding, human values
The Need for Research in the Crafts[tx]This paper investigates how research and craft can join in the enterprise of craft research to advance craft as a discipline that makes a valuable contribution to future living. The rationale for this investigation is that craft research -that is research into, for and through craft practice (Frayling, 1993) -is still relatively underdeveloped
Highlights (Systematic) reviews from the fields of assistive technology for dementia care and healing environments research show opportunities for environmental design for dementia care. Insights from both fields could better inform the designers of dementia care environments. A multidisciplinary and user-centred design approach might broaden opportunities for more meaningful environmental design for dementia care.
Juxtaposing the nature of design and the foundations of research in the traditional science and humanities disciplines puts their differences into sharp relief. The comparison highlights the key characteristics of design – its creative and experiential nature – which any design research must take into account, as well as the theoretical foundations of research. The aim of this article is to develop an understanding of the ontological, epistemological and methodological issues of design research, and to offer a framework that can embrace equally the notions of creativity and experiential knowledge, and of academic rigour. Furthermore,the potential roles of the design process and artefact within research are examined within this theoretical framework, which suggests that design processes and artefacts can – if appropriately framed – play an important partin the research process, facilitating an approach commensurate with the aims ofdesign enquiry. A case study of the Niedderer’s own work serves to illustratethe balance and integration of theory and (creative) practice within the research process, and how this integration can enable a multi-layered contribution to the theoretical and practical advancement of the field.
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