Unorthodox methodologies: Approaches to understanding design and technology

The chapter draws together the new, innovative methodologies for researching design and design learning, developed jointly by Stables and Kimbell over the 20 years in question. These methodologies have made a particular contribution to a research field that is still relatively under-developed. The lead author (Stables) analysed the methodologies to produce an account of the more unorthodox but rigorous approaches used. The approaches reported are exemplified by four projects spanning the era: the Assessment of Performance in Design and Technology (1985-1991); Understanding Technological Approaches (1992-1994); Evaluating the (South Africa) North West Province Technology Education Project (1998-1999); and Assessing Design Innovation (2002-2004).