“Steering our Craft” proposes a theory class revolving around the writing practice in design. Working both individually and as a group, we will develop and refine our academic writing practice through inputs, readings, in-class writing and peer feedback sessions.
Taking inspiration by Ursula K. Le Guin’s Steering the Craft and her notion of writing as an inherently lonely practice that is nevertheless grounded in a community of peers. Through different perspectives on writing, we will intensify our awareness of our own process and continue to develop it.
In connection with the individual MA works, writing is understood as deeply entangled with design practice, becoming a tool for thinking, reflecting, and shaping the work.
Together, we will work toward publishing a full design research paper on the Research Catalogue, complemented by a printed zine that extends and amplfies the experimental and material side of the research paper.
Students are encouraged to treat writing and their MA thesis practice not as separate but as mutually beneficial and enriching. Through cycles of making, reflecting, and writing, we aim to strengthen both clarity and the depth of our research narratives.
06.10. Kick-off / Write Abstract
13.10. Peer feedback round on abstracts
15.10. Karmen lecture “Art and Design Research in Europe“ with Anton Rey
20.10. Independent Work
27.10. Peer feedback round and inputs on writing practices with Anthea & Duy
03.11. MIZ Advanced Research Training with Bettina Ruchti (meetig point in front of library)
10.11. Paper presentation / Submit for Peer Review
17.11. Peer review discussion
24.11. Peer feedback round / Zine Concept
01.12. Independant Work / Final Sprint
15.12. Publish
January 2026 Two half-day writing workshop with the PhD Centre (tbc)
FS26 Research Proposal and Grants Workshop
Loosely based on the requirements of JAR Journal for Artistic Research
As discussed in class Mo 27 October