The artefact as evidence of novel value in design education

Qualitative data obtained by this researcher to date suggests ambiguity and uncertainty in design research and education, and yet ‘innovation’, ‘novelty’, and ‘utility’ are all terms of reference for formal design registration and patent assessment. Notwithstanding that patent law is a socio-political institution, and understanding it is a somewhat interpretive art in itself, this mixed method research aims to provide insight into ways to improve the design evaluation process and to provide a new approach to design education curricular. In keeping with the aim, valid evidence as to how the axioms of value and law are compatible with design research is sought. The hybrid mixed research method includes practice-led approach, involving application for design registration of a human computer interface artifact. It is intended that analysis of this process will inform a solution for the elusive validation and measuring of design artifact outcomes, and a credible and scholarly assessment model for design researchers. This paper specifically discusses the role of the artifact itself in establishing value, using as a starting point the Design Research conceptual framework of Bruce Archer and Phil Roberts.