Practice-Led & Practice-based Design Research
It was evident from further research (Vaughan, 2019; Candy & Edmonds, 2018; Claisse, 2018; Smith & Dean, 2014; Clarke, 2011; Borg, 2009; Rust, Mottram & Till, 2007) that there was, and still is, considerable discussion regarding design based PhDs and design research. A conclusion derived from the research was that my PhD was more in line with practice-led design PhDs, i.e. a reflection on practice rather than reflection through practice. The table in Fig.7 highlights examples of successful theses in Practice-based and Practice-led design PhDs, and their similarity to traditional PhD formats and approximate weightings of practice and thesis. My PhD consists of a written thesis (60%) and a practice element (40%).
Research highlights that the field of design is becoming more acknowledged as a core discipline in practically every industry. Designers and graduate designers are able to apply for a growing range of design related roles. What has changed in my 35+ years as a designer, is the varied roles from what would have been simply been called a Graphic Designer. The table below (Fig.8) demonstrates a small portion of the range and variety already available under three broader disciplines of Graphic, Information and Spatial Design.
There are future roles already being considered such as Invisible Designer, Biometrics Designer, Predictive Designer (Rühl, 2019) demonstrating how the growth and development of technology coming from design, further impacts the design disciplines and industry in providing additional design roles.
There will be more designers wanting to take this level of critical inquiry, critical thinking, analysis and reflection on practice to a greater level of research, informing their practice to take onto an academic role, or to progress within their company. It is, therefore, going to be critical to ensure that the options to do so within academia, are clear and informed, with a flexible framework (and language) that bridges design practice with academic research.
