Societal Impact Through Research Methodology: Constructivist Grounded Theory Method in Design Research

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore, how the nature and extent of societal impact of design research is rooted in the very core of research practice -the research design and its epistemology. I propose that achieving societal impact in design research begins with the research method. Furthermore, I reflect on my personal experience of using the Constructivist Grounded Theory Method (CGTM) in my ongoing PhD study and describe what I view as the societal impact derived from my work. Using CGTM offers three angles to societal impact: Finding meaningful and impactful research challenges, creating substantial theories that have explanatory power for practitioners, and bridging the gap between academic research and practice. The quality of grounded theory is evaluated by credibility, originality, resonance, and usefulness. The same criteria can be used to enhance the potential of doctoral education in design to tackle societal problems.