Insights on Collaborative Design Research: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This article proposes a deep dive into the definitions and distinctive features of collaborative design to encourage a more precise use of the expression among design researchers and practitioners. Using a scoping review process, the article uses 75 peer-reviewed publications to find answers that identify and categorize its most fundamental features. Detailed keyword searches led to the emergence of more than 40 distinctive features. We use the activity theory framework to support the analysis of such a large amount of information. After presenting in detail the main features of collaborative design, the discussion presents three contradictions that may have hindered our collective interpretation of that team dynamic, and isolated research results from impacting authentic work practices.

Keywords:

• collaborative design
• design process
• scoping review

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to Prof. Mithra Zahedi for her invaluable comments and support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Société et Culture, grant 2019-B2Z-256855.

Notes on contributors

Virginie Tessier

Virginie Tessier is currently a Professor at the School of Design of University of Montreal, Canada. In the past, she worked as a graphic designer. Her research interests unfold around the topics of collaborative design and design education. Virginie is currently developing her PhD thesis on the assessment practices for learning collaborative design.