How to Explain Design Research To Your Friends🇺🇸 🇬🇧

Drawing inspiration from Paulo Freire's liberation pedagogy, this paper proposes a shift from the traditional ‘banking’ model to a 'problem-posing' approach in design research. Replacing one-directional knowledge flows (from educators to students) in favor of active questioning and reflection to demystify the often-complex definition of design-based research through personal storytelling, akin to explaining a complex topic to a friend. This paper aims to empower individual researchers to articulate design research in their own terms, broadening the spectrum of knowledge creation in the field. Design educators and graduate students in social innovation share insights, fostering discussions on the nature of design research and preparation of early-stage researchers for socially engaged pursuits. Emphasizing the value of diversity and individuality in design practices, this accessible and inclusive strategy critiques traditional methods, creating space for discussions on the future of design education. This paper aims to serve as a compass for early-stage researchers and social design programs, inspiring adaptations to meet our increasingly complex and diverse world. In conversation with our friends to explain design-based research, the ultimate goal here is to promote a diverse, accessible, and responsible approach to design research, better preparing the field to address evolving real-world problems. Keywords: Design Research; Responsible Innovation; Design Impact; Social Impact THOMAS, BENSON, PRIDEMORE, STRICKLAND, STEPHENS & XIAO 2