Design research is a critical driver of innovation and creativity, yet how well it is positioned within Germany remains a pressing concern. A 2024 study titled On the Practice of Design Research in Germany, conducted by the Institute for Design Research and Application (IfDRA) and published by the German Design Council, presents both positive and negative insights. The negative aspect: German design research is lagging behind international standards. However, there are encouraging signs for its potential to strengthen design practice and significantly boost the innovation capabilities of companies. The study confirms this potential.
The findings from the study are clear-cut. While the role of design research in driving innovation and strategic decision-making across both companies and universities is widely recognised, there is a lack of structural integration. A key figure from the study highlights this: only 13 percent of the surveyed experts, aged 20 to 39, rated the current state of German design research as "above average". In contrast, the majority rated it as "below average" (see chart). Nearly two-thirds of respondents identified universities as the primary drivers of design research, while its presence in companies remains weak and rarely integrated early into development processes.
Stephan Ott, Director of IfDRA and co-author of the study alongside Jessica Krejci, suggests actionable recommendations to bolster design research in Germany. These include:
Building a data foundation for KPIs
A solid data framework is essential for evaluating design research, which should be developed through targeted surveys and analyses.
Strengthening international focus
Global exchange should be more firmly integrated into academic curricula to enhance the quality of design research.
Practice-oriented doctoral programmes
Emphasising practical application within doctoral programmes will help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
The study makes clear that design research extends well beyond the academic domain and plays a vital role in enhancing the innovation capacity of companies. To remain competitive, Germany must not only acknowledge the significance of design research, but also actively support its development.
Stephan Ott, Director Institute for Design Research and Appliance (IfDRA) and author of the study.
In conclusion, the study asserts: 'Germany must elevate its design research to a new level in order to stay competitive internationally and secure its long-term innovation potential,' emphasises Lutz Dietzold, CEO of the German Design Council.
More information:
Institute for Design Research and Application
[email protected]
www.german-design-council.de