Course Concepts #1 - What is Design Theory Methodology?

In this podcast, discussing the subject scope of the Design Theory and Methodology course, Mieke talks to Peter about his role as Editor-in-Chief of the one of the leading academic journals in design research, which is called Design Studies. Many of the papers published in Design Studies feature in the course readings and the scope of the journal corresponds quite well with the scope of the course. They go on to discuss in more detail what the course is about, giving students concepts to think with to determine how a particular theory or method fits with them. They discuss whether there really should be a distinction between theory and practice, before outlining what the course is NOT about – an introduction to currently available methods of design. For that students are advised to read the Delft Design Guide (which we talk about in more detail in Podcast #4: A Short History of Design Methods). This podcast forms the first in a short series about the DTM course concepts. This podcast discusses the scope of the course and is followed by three podcasts discussing each of the three learning objectives for the course. Together, these ‘Course Concepts’ podcasts sit alongside the eight ‘content’ podcasts looking at different aspects of design theory and methodology.