I Design; Therefore I Research: Revealing DBR through Personal Narrative

Design Based Research (DBR) is a new and still-emerging approach to research about design, learning, and allied areas. This article reports one designer’s experiences within a DBR project. Whereas most reports of DBR focus on the outcomes of the design itself, the current paper offers a hermeneutical perspective by focusing on the personal narrative of the designer. Using Edelson’s (2002) categories of learning as a basis for the discussion, the author reports the development of his own domain theories, design frameworks, and design methodology. Implications for other designers who would consider using personal narrative and hermeneutics are offered.