DRS Research Studios

DRS Research Studios are an experimental initiative to advance the position and understanding of design research in both academia and the communities we serve.

Why 'Research Studio'?

Design research is more than 'design thinking'. Design researchers study how we choose to make our world, and, more importantly, how we can choose differently.

Studio pedagogy and practice, with its complex but distinctly not-scientific theories of knowledge development, gives shape to how creative research is performed, recorded, and shared.

DRS Research Studios exemplify how studio-based and practice-based research, which creates knowledge through the making process, offers a robust and valid approach to addressing our world's most pressing challenges.

What defines a DRS Research Studio?

There are two consistent features that DRS Research Studios share:

• Making is what design researchers study, from physical objects to ideological transitions. DRS Research Studios develop knowledge through making things, from research conferences to provotypes.
• Critique takes place at many levels in studio practice. DRS Research Studios participate in regular critique, opening their work to others.

We envision a future where DRS Research Studios are regarded not only as rigorous research centres but also impactful community partners for solving wicked problems.

How is a Research Studio different from a SIG? 

Research Studios are an experiment in ways of working with our communities to build sustained, rigorous design research capacity. DRS is currently reviewing the SIG structure. We expect to integrate both communities over the course of this year into a revised structure. 

Interested in starting a Research Studio? 

Please contact Justin Sacks, DRS Executive Director at support (at) thedrs.org. Due to the proximity of DRS2026, we will support you to develop a theme track for the conference as an initial way to develop your community.