ABSTRACT
In research, when crossing the concepts of smart systems, sustainability and manufacturing, we are immediately directed to applied research that has substantially changed the research paradigm. In order to obtain a real and immediate knowledge transference, design education at research level is increasingly focused on practical, interventionist and experimental methodologies. Action Research, as a support to different project areas, has been consubstantiating as one of the main methodologies in applied research. The societal drivers for some Industry 4.0 technologies are aligned with Action Research types. This paper underlines the advantages of using this methodology when it requires insight, reflection and personal involvement with the topic to explore. The researcher introduces changes in the project until the effectiveness of the taken actions has been explored and the adjustments implemented. It’s a research strategy which deals with real-world problems in a participatory and cyclical way, to produce knowledge and action.
