1 Designing in research: characteristics and criteria Research method, questions and programme. Stella Boess Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, s.u.boess@tudelft.nl Abstract: This paper sketches the potential contribution of research-through-design approaches to research. Designing is characterized as situated and engaged. It is furthermore future-oriented. And it needs to reflect on its practice and outcomes. The paper considers what these characteristics mean for the benefits, quality and acceptance of research-through-design approaches. The consideration results in a preference for qualitative method, in research questions that address future knowledge, and in the notion of the programme as an overarching concept guiding the research process, and making room for design failure and learning. With the discussion and clarification of these issues it is intended to help increase the quality and acceptance of research- through-design approaches. Key words: research-through-design, design-inclusive research, situatedness, engagement, qualitative research, research questions, research programme 1. Introduction The quality of research-through-design is relevant for designer researchers who seek to establish a role for designing in the academic research landscape. It is also relevant for those funding bodies that assess research proposals that include research-through-design. The last decade has seen designers increasingly involved in design research and seeking to claim their place in the research landscape. The biggest hurdle seems to be the experiential and tacit, seemingly idiosyncratic aspect of the design activity. This paper argues that it would be valuable to admit research-through-design approaches. It also proposes and argues for three aspects on which research-through-design proposals can be assessed: the research approach that is chosen, the kinds of research questions that are formulated, and the research programme in which a proposed study is set. 2. What is research-through-design? Recently, commentators have begun to argue for the value of research-through-design approaches within design research. But what do these approaches involve? Speaking with Jonas [27]: “Research through design refers to a research and design process intrinsic to design. Designers / researchers are directly involved in establishing connections and shaping their research object.” Jonas argues that “such research helps build a genuine theory of design by adopting an epistemological posture more consonant with what is specific to design: the project.” (quoting Findeli [21]). With that, Jonas points out central aspects of designing: its situatedness and engagement