Schn\'s Thinking to the Ideas

¶ … Schn's thinking to the ideas covered so far in this course concerning research and knowing through research?

Research can be active and engaging. Schn presents a whole new vision of research that is more applicable to the arts than most models of research are. Research models that emphasize science or even literature are based on limited activities. The research that Schn describes is more comprehensive. The artist takes more responsibility for exploring the subject matter with multiple senses: hearing, sight, touch, smell, and taste as well as analysis and reflection. Using symbols and other visual emblems is also part of knowing through research: gathering data from multiple sources and synthesizing it into a new whole.

How does his "knowing in action" and "reflection in action" relate to a graphic designer's practice and ways of designing?

Schn refers to knowing in action as any act that embodies wisdom and knowledge. Therefore, an artist's work is always knowing in action because the artist is executing based on prior accumulated knowledge about his or her subject matter or media selection. Similarly, artists use reflection in action all the time to convey their subjective realities. When, as Schn suggests, a graphic designer encounters a surprise then reflection is absolutely necessary to discover ways of working around it.

How do Frayling's 3 ways of researching connect to Schn's? Are they compatible or incompatible?

Frayling's 3 ways of researching connect to Schn's theories of knowing in action and reflection in action and are compatible. Frayling and Schn both discuss the relevance of action research and development as well as research into the core materials of a project.

Does IDEO's way of designing and researching work with either Frayling's model or Schn's understanding of design knowledge? Why or why not?