Research through Design

Research through Design (RtD) employs the methods and processes of design practice to explore possible futures. It operationalizes design thinking and problem reframing to create new knowledge. Instead of reacting to sudden, technical advances, RtD explores possible futures to more effectively inform where we want emerging technology to take society. 

This research approach complements science, engineering, and the humanities by asking research questions about what could and should be. Research projects both critique current technology trajectories and produce visions of preferred futures. RtD centers speculation and the construction of possible futures to gain insights and a felt understanding of the future. This research approach is especially useful for working on wicked social problems and for problematic situations where we know we do not know what would be good.

Students who want to learn more about design in HCI might be interested in the following course: 

• 05-774: Design Perspectives in HCI