Research synopsis

Reflecting back on the module for A Question of Research.

“It was very challenging to re-enter the academic world, with self-doubt arising often : did I have the aptitude and ability to become a design researcher and take part in this discourse – or not? It gradually became clear that I did, and that I enjoyed it greatly.”

^{Haslem, N. (2017, p193)}

It took great comfort in this passage from Neal Haslem. It reminded me that the imposter syndrome I have felt almost daily since applying for this course, will pass. 

The beginning of this module was heavily centred around course readings about how the concept of research has evolved and the expectations when approaching research differs between the sciences and humanities. How creating and making things can add to your research process to gain insights and results. I was quick to realise and adapt to my struggles with reading and have sought to find inspiration and research in other places such as podcasts, exhibitions and social media. The library however was a useful environment for me to achieve focussed screen or reading time and progress the module. 

The concept of blogging was also a challenge that I embraced and modified to best suit me. I was very self conscious of putting my ramblings out into the public sphere and initially put a lot of pressure on myself to write “the perfect blog”, as though every published entry had to be an academic essay but I eventually found my stride. I removed my self imposed expectations and gained confidence in writing them. Because I was documenting my research, I felt like there was a linear journey forming in what I was doing and how I was approaching my work and ultimately that made the presentation easier to create. I discovered the best way to write my blogs was to record what I wanted to say, send myself the transcription and then refine / edit into a post. This was better than struggling to know where to start with my writing. 

A highlight of the semester from a learning perspective was attending the university workshops, broadening my skills and using the resources that are available to me within my practice. I also broadened my network with my local charity shop and I very much hope to continue some sort of collaboration with them, as well as enjoying a cuppa and the community that I have gained from it. 

The most positive aspect has, in my opinion, been the mixed faculty group sessions on Tuesday afternoon’s. I’ve made strong connections with my peers and we’ve shared ideas, experiences, collaborated and supported each other in a really positive way. Without those individuals, I feel this course would have been a very lonely and isolating experience and I don’t think I would be getting the full benefit of returning to education. On days where we have felt not good enough or battled with the underlying imposter syndrome, we’ve been there for to encourage each other and feel like we belong. 

What have I learned about Subversion, Materiality and Positionality? The lines between these themes are blurred. I related my research back to Subversion throughout this project however, if I was asked to present Fast Fashion back from a Materiality or Positionality perspective, I’m confident I could. Using ’The Story of Stuff’ as an example, there are many points along that chain that can be related back to Materiality and Positionality; the people that interact with the garments through the production journey, the materials that are used within Fast Fashion and by looking at how clothing gains perceived value. 

How has Subversion developed creativity in relation to my practice? By continuing to get out of my comfort zone and do the opposite of what seemed like the next logical step, to question what I knew or expected, really took this project in a different direction to what I had anticipated. I was still able to research topics that were in line with my interests and values (Positionality) and some of my strangest, most Subversive outputs were my most creative and inspired. I don’t think anyone could have predicted I was embarking on a Masters to do block printing with an iron (Materiality). Yet here we are. And that is how Subversion develops creativity.

I started this blog with a post about how 2023 is my year of getting out of my comfort zone; for expansion, change and growth. This project has shown what possibilities can be achieved when embracing that unknown and I’m fully committed to carrying that mindset and discomfort into my future projects.

References

Neal Haslem, N (2017) From Practice to Practice-led Research / Chapter 18 In Practice-Based Design Research, edited by Laurene Vaughan, Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2017