Swiss Design Network

Since its foundation in 2003, the Swiss Design Network has been active in the field of design research by networking researchers from the Swiss Universities of Design and Art, by organising internationally renowned symposiums and by publishing their proceedings, by offering direct support to research projects and by participating in the research debate on national and international level. The short – but rich – history of the Swiss Design Network is based on the uninterrupted commitment of its board, composed of seven people responsible for the development, quality and constant improvement of design research in the Swiss Universities of Design and Art. Even though our activities have been temporarily slowed down in 2007, due to administrative changes that lead to a new organisation of the network, we are proud to continue the work of dialogue, reflection and challenge for design education – and design – that we all call research.

Even though the Swiss Universities of Design and Art are only delivering Master degrees for the time being, it has always been clear for the Swiss Design Network that the relevant level of debate for research is international and that methodological and epistemological questions must meet the highest possible standards. But it is also clear that research is a paradoxical activity that needs to be free and framed at the same time. Designerly ways of knowing rely on rigour and creativity and most of the debates about social relevance, scientific or cultural value carried by design research are rooted into this paradox. To some extent, this is true of every research activity – and this is the very reason why a focused discussion of design projects and methods is always precious; because digging into the details of different thought processes is what will ultimately allow fresh visions of design goals and strengths.

The Swiss Design Network is therefore a platform to challenge ideas and share intellectual friendship.