For my theory and context module I must choose a research topic which I wish to explore. This will be the basis for my work, where at the end I will produce a written report. This will contain, the methods which I would use to research the topic as well as other designers who explore similar themes.
The different possible research topics are:
- The future workplace
- Sustainable materials
- Archival interventions
- Innovations in giving
- Collaborative consumption
- Well being
These all look at problems which may need to be overcome in the future. These are topics which can be related to all different areas, but I am going to narrow it down to my specialism: a designer maker in knit.
Currently I am interested in the idea of creating 'a new or improved textile product or service idea'. This sounds like an interesting area to explore as it sounds creative as it is all about finding a solution to a problem which may occur in the future.
Of the three topics within this area, I most like the sound of well being. I think this would be something I would find interesting to explore and research more into especially as it is about helping others.
I would need to look at what methods would be useful in looking into this. I think that this topic would need interviews/focus groups to gain ideas from the people who it would benefit, what they would actually want/need. As a designer maker I am more free in the way that I explore ideas and do not have such strict limitations as a commercial designer. I feel that this would mean I could be more adventurous in my approach and would allow me to look at the ideas in a more free way.
