A Proposal for Research-through-Life

Reframing Design Research through Life Project

Abstract

This paper proposes Research-through-Life (RtL) as a new paradigm for design research grounded in life project. It reframes design as a lived and relational practice, where knowledge emerges through everyday experiences, interactions, and transformation. Extending Research-through-Design, RtL positions life itself as a site of inquiry. Through theoretical discussion and case analysis, the study highlights the potential of RtL to expand design research toward more human-centered, experiential, and socially embedded approaches.