Applied Design Research as Catalys of Change

The Network of Applied Design Research (NADR), established in 2016, has played a crucial role in shaping the field of Applied Design Research. The specific role of Applied Design Research was discussed during the Dutch Design Week 2018, under the theme "Applied Design Research as a Catalyst of Change.” The discussion centered around four key questions: What has been designed? What has been investigated? What was the realized or intended change? What was the role of the Applied Design Researcher? While these questions may seem straightforward, they reveal the complexity of Applied Design Research, emphasizing the intricate interplay between design, research, and implementation processes. When examining the various tasks, roles, and activities undertaken by Applied Design Researchers, seven distinct roles were identified – 1) Developer, 2) Discoverer, 3) Initiator, 4) Change Manager, 5) Networker, 6) Interpreter, and 7) Reframer.

The role of the Developer (1) focuses on creating new solutions, encompassing the design and development of products, services, materials, games, apps, and production methods. The developer's primary objective is to bring about something entirely new. The Discoverer (2) engages in research activities spanning ergonomic and usage studies, human behavior research, technical exploration, material studies, and investigations into new production and design methods. Their core function is to understand the world and seek objective facts and new insights. The Initiator (3), often described as an open-minded opportunity hunter, collects and combines various ideas and possibilities to create new initiatives and projects. They operate as drivers and motors of innovation, converting ideas into tangible projects. The role of the Change Manager (4) involves coordinating and organizing practical aspects to achieve anticipated results within the agreed-upon time and budget. Additionally, the change manager acts as an organizational change agent, aiming to implement new solutions within the involved organizations. The Networker (5) serves as a connector and gatekeeper, linking people, organizations, and ideas across different professional networks. They play a crucial role in developing support among stakeholders and managing mutual expectations. The Interpreter (6) focuses on connecting different concepts and contextual frameworks, serving as a bridge between theoretical models from science and practical experiences from design practice. They contribute to creating a common vocabulary to manage mutual expectations. The Reframer's (7) role is to show the significance of achieved results by adopting a different perspective on outcomes that others might perceive as irrelevant or self-evident. This role is vital in interpreting and giving new significance to facts, reframing problems, and contributing to the uniqueness of Applied Design Research.

Overall, the analogy of the Applied Design Researcher as a catalyst of change is apt, akin to a catalyst in chemistry. The Applied Design Researcher acts as a connector, bringing people together, ensuring understanding, fostering common goals, and achieving meaningful results.