Epilogue

Abstract

This epilogue synthesizes the diverse viewpoints presented in the book "Applied Design Research: A Mosaic of 22 Examples, Experiences and Interpretations". Rather than fixing a final definition of the concept of Applied Design Research, it embraces the plurality that characterizes the field and acknowledges the often subtle distinctions that occupy academic debate. The chapter highlights key questions that emerge from practice: how situational knowledge can be distinguished and generalized; which quality criteria adapted or derived methods must meet; how to address power dynamics among stakeholders; and what values and ethical standards should guide research that intervenes directly in people’s lives. These questions shift the discussion from relevance toward scientific rigor, pointing to a research agenda that can strengthen methodological foundations and support the maturation of applied design research across a broader range of domains.