From physical material samples to design-relevant tags: Using research through design (RTD) to generate prioritized information specifications
Information Design Journal, vol.29, no.3, pp.264-288, 2024 (Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 29 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2024
- Doi Number: 10.1075/idj.24014.aki
- Journal Name: Information Design Journal
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, IBZ Online, Communication & Mass Media Index, Design & Applied Arts Index, INSPEC, Library and Information Science Abstracts, Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts
- Page Numbers: pp.264-288
- Keywords: material libraries, material samples, materials information, product design, research through design
- Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This research investigates design-relevant information to accompany physical material samples, addressing a gap in educational product/industrial design practice and materials library usage. Implementing Research Through Design (RTD), existing information solutions are surveyed (Stage 1); ten material information tag ‘research artefacts’ are generated (Stage 2); and artefact evaluations are carried out by 38 undergraduates, leading to a Design Specification Master List (Stage 3). A finalized tag is designed based on the research findings. The study contributes knowledge on the content and presentation of materials information, demonstrates a systematic approach to evaluating research artefacts within an RTD framework, and discusses its applicability across conventional and emerging material contexts and practices.