[Sigia-l] IA research?

[Lyle_Kantrovich at cargill.com]

Ziya said:
> Don't you find it a bit disturbing that a 'profession' needs 
'research' not
> because it's intrinsically needed/useful but because it's to be used 
for
> validation? 

Research = facts, data or opinions that inform design (my definition as 
a design practitioner)

According to Google's 'define' feature, other defintions of 'research' 
are: 
- systematic investigation to establish facts 
- a search for knowledge
- Systematic investigation, including research development, testing and 
evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable 
knowledge. 
- systematic study directed toward more complete scientific knowledge or 
understanding of the subject studied
- an activity...undertaken with the prime purpose of testing a 
hypothesis and permitting conclusions to be drawn with the intention of 
contributing to...knowledge


Profession = an occupation?  (see definitions: 
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=define%3A+profession+ 
)


So why does IA need research?  By definition it doesn't *need* research. 
 You clearly can have an occupation that isn't based on any facts, data 
or informed opinions.  (See the occupations of politicians and lawyers 
as proof.)

Of course, if we as IA's want to practice our trade with the benefits of 
the knowledge that research brings, we might hold a more highly 
respected and valued occupation than politicians some day.  :)

Maybe you call that "validation" -- I call it building trust and a 
reputation for quality work founded in knowledge.

Disclaimer: not all research is good research or applicable research - 
caveat research user.

Hmmm...Lyle's Future Measure of IA Success: If the number of IA's in the 
work force is greater than the number of politicians taxing the work 
force.

Regards,

Lyle

----

Croc O' Lyle - A blog that now has new content for IA's!
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