The role of prototypes and frameworks for structuring explorations by research through design

Abstract

In Research through Design, design actions contribute to the method of research, to the way knowledge is developed. This brings out several tensions and confusions between what research and design are, what they produce, how the two are done together, and how the results can be shared with other researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders. This chapter draws lessons from two seminal PhD on how developing prototypes, and having a conceptual framework helps coherence in broad, phenomenon-led explorations.