ABSTRACT
How can researchers reinforce the methodology of their applied design research projects so that more knowledge is developed that is useful for design professionals? That is the central question that Marieke Zielhuis seeks to answer in “Discomfort as a Starting Point.” Zielhuis describes her own “discomfort” when she discovers that designers in projects are often seen as problem solvers who need to provide a solution. But, in her opinion, this ignores the designer's need to develop in this continuously changing role. This is why Zielhuis studies what designers need to grow and how research projects can accomodate this. This way, design research contributes to design practice and vice versa.
