A comparison of methods for researching into drawing within the field of design

The methods for researching any given phenomenon are likely to have an important influence on the nature of the findings. This paper sets out to contrast two very different strategies used for research into design communication in recent research programmes. The first established a foundation onto which more focussed research could be built. The second programme was a much larger research project involving academics from more than one university department. The paper presents an examination of the theoretical base of the two research methods to uncover something of their traditional application since this has an influence on their perceived value as research methods. The conclusion is concerned with the issues of operating a ‘hybrid’ strategy in the most recent studies of drawing and designing.