Towards a better understanding of the methodological characteristics of engineering design research

The goal of this paper is to interpret the methodological characteristics of design research. Design science is in a specific epistemic relationship with natural, formal, human, social, and applied sciences. Although design science explores and generates knowledge on its own, these sciences are the major sources of design knowledge. Therefore, design research shares many characteristics with the source sciences, but it also has its own features. First, the platform of reasoning of the study is clarified. Afterwards, the various underpinning philosophical assumptions, and the nature of research conducted in the source sciences and in design science are analyzed. It has been found that the distinguishing characteristics of design research are that it is view-dependent, largely purpose-driven, usually done with a compound focus, normatively instrumental, and strongly influenced by participatory approaches.