Designing Design Research 2

Professor Martin Woolley Design Studies, Goldsmiths College, University of London. New Cross London. SE14 6NW

Profile

His current research concerns include: product identity in relation to technology transfer, information management, eco-design, medical design and research training. He is Chair of the National Association for Three Dimensional Design Education, a Council Member of the Design Research Society, advisor to the Computers in Teaching Initiative Centre in Art and Design, and was an Art and Design Unit of Assessment panel member for the 1992 & 1996 Research Assessment Exercises. He has published widely in the fields of information technology and design.

(Abstract) - Design 'Publications' and the UK University RAE

"The RAE is 'peer group assessment' and takes place in a small arena. It is not just what is on paper but 'what is known' in the field by the assessors. Those who play the 'numbers games' are easy to spot."

Whilst the exact nature of the next Research Assessment Exercise cannot yet be accurately predicted, most academic institutions are pursuing their current research ambitions on the basis of previous RAE experience and practice. In the 1992 and 1996 exercises, design research was defined in broad terms which embraced both scholarly and practice-based research publication. As a result the 1996 Art and Design panel established new selection criteria, in order to clarify how design outputs would be evaluated alongside more traditional forms. This presentation reflects on the general impact of the exercise as a whole on the design and associated research communities, and specifically the appropriateness of the new publication criteria. The factors that may influence a strong return are also discussed and the session concludes with an invitation to consider the need for change or further refinement to the RAE in the brief period remaining for consultation, prior to the next exercise.

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