28 June 2023

Today saw the launch of a new online resource for researchers working at the intersection of design and health. METHOD is a framework with a set of questions and prompts that can be used by researchers, students and designers. METHOD aims to build confidence in design for health research so that outcomes are better understood and valued.

Lab4Living and Good Health Design (New Zealand) have dedicated the last two decades to building an understanding of the role that design research might play in the broader context of health and wellbeing.

Steve Reay is standing with Claire Craig by a screen, explaining the resource to guests at the resource's launch on Wednesday — Steve Reay explains the METHOD resource

We have recognised that some researchers struggle with how best to articulate their research. What does design mean for those coming from health disciplines? Sometimes there is confusion over the differences between design and research.
Steve Reay, Director, Good Health Design

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What is the Method framework?

Research methods are the strategies, processes or techniques used in the collection of data or evidence for analysis in order to uncover new information or create a better understanding of a topic.

The Method framework provides a set of questions and prompts in three main domains: originality, rigour and significance. It uses a set of case studies to illustrate how these questions have been addressed. Illustrated maps accompanying the domain questions demonstrate what was happening in context with the specific moments in time along each of these project journeys. The team also invites researchers to submit their own case studies, using the framework and templates provided.

Method is the culmination of a four year project between Lab4Living and Good Health Design and an outcome of the visit to New Zealand by Graham Nesbitt and Claire Craig in December 2023. This work is funded through the Research England 100-year Life project to develop resources for future students and researchers working in the space that is design for health. It takes a first step in exploring method and provides a framework through which to do this.

METHOD resource

METHOD is written, designed and curated by Claire Craig, Steve Reay, Graham Nesbitt, Cassie Khoo and Ivana Nakarada-Kordic from Lab4Living and Good Health Design.

Good Health Design and Lab4Living launch METHOD resource

What is the Method framework?