Theory as Design Material: How Design Researchers Use Design Skills to Explore the Malleability of Theory

Design researchers use theory in many ways in their design research practice. Bridging the gap between theory (as an abstract form of knowledge) and making design decisions can be challenging. Based on interviews with 10 design researchers, the paper examines the various ways they apply theory in designerly ways. The paper presents three interrelated findings that emerge from a thematic analysis. The first theme unpacks how theory use can be characterized by examining the malleability of theory. It describes how theory is explored and used as a design material, similar to other design materials like wood or textiles. The second theme explores how design skills are ways to activate the malleability of theory as design material. The third theme explores a variety of practices that the participants mention, as ”ways of doing,” in design research. The combination of these themes describes how designers use design skills to activate the malleability of theory as a design material, and they employ a variety of practices to achieve this. Finally, we reflect on what the findings mean for the future of design education.