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Hourglass Method: Applying Grounded Theory in Design Research

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• Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2024

Year:

2024

Type of Publication:

Article

Keywords:

Grounded Theory Method, Design, Design Research, Consumption of Design

Authors:

• Rytilahti, Piia
• Maatta, Kaarina

Journal:

IJIRES

Volume:

11

Number:

3

Pages:

92-100

Month:

May

ISSN:

2349-5219

BibTex:

@article{2041, author = "Piia Rytilahti and Kaarina Maatta", abstract = "The purpose of this article is to describe the grounded theory method (GT method) and its suitability for design research. This article examines the general features and principles of the GT method in general and shows the steps that the GT method consists of. This method is not based on theory; rather, it explicitly creates theory based on empirical data obtained through the open, selective, and theoretical coding phases. The GT method is like an hourglass that relies on a large variety of data and a new theory to be formed from it. Because the design research field is multidisciplinary, the GT method can help identify relevant research topics in the future-especially for design research. In design research, new theories based on user experiences are especially necessary and topical. These can be research into the consumption of design products and design processes, along with the human social meanings and interactions at the core of design.", issn = "23495219", journal = "IJIRES", keywords = "Grounded Theory Method, Design, Design Research, Consumption of Design", month = "May", number = "3", pages = "92-100", title = "{H}ourglass {M}ethod: {A}pplying {G}rounded {T}heory in {D}esign {R}esearch", volume = "11", year = "2024", }

Abstract:

The purpose of this article is to describe the grounded theory method (GT method) and its suitability for design research. This article examines the general features and principles of the GT method in general and shows the steps that the GT method consists of. This method is not based on theory; rather, it explicitly creates theory based on empirical data obtained through the open, selective, and theoretical coding phases. The GT method is like an hourglass that relies on a large variety of data and a new theory to be formed from it. Because the design research field is multidisciplinary, the GT method can help identify relevant research topics in the future-especially for design research. In design research, new theories based on user experiences are especially necessary and topical. These can be research into the consumption of design products and design processes, along with the human social meanings and interactions at the core of design.

Full text: IJIRES_2041_FINAL.pdf Online version [Bibtex]