ABSTRACT
Design is a complex practice that requires different skills and the ability to dialogue with other disciplines. Design research is an interdisciplinary process focused on theory, practice, design epistemology, design praxeology, design phenomenology and humanities-based design studies. One research strategy that merges theory and practice is Action Research, an inquiry model that, as the name suggests, links the reflective dimension to practice. Action Research is based on the connection between theoretical and practical activities and on the close relationship between researchers and the ‘other communities’ involved in the research process. The Action Research approach is a context-dependent activity, therefore the activities need to be developed in a real context: the process starts from the recognition of the existing resources characterising the design context. The interpretative actions are a way to better examine one’s own practice and use the research results to better planning the future actions and support the decision-making process.
