John James Marshall thesis.pdf - OpenAIR @ RGU - Robert Gordon ...

The researcher created a theoretical picture of the field of study in the form of a
database of one hundred and forty-eight objects. A formalised system of
analysis was conducted on this to derive distinctive criteria and common
properties from patterns that were observed from this process. The researcher
formed groups of these objects around typological exemplars. Each object in the
database was compared with these exemplars and assigned to the group that it
most resembled. A schema was developed from this to examine the underlying
structure of the field by grouping disparate objects into clusters. The value of
this system has not been in creating new hierarchical relationships but in
indicating common characteristics of objects and by identifying relationships
between diverse ‘types’ of objects. These are not exhaustive but are
representative of the criteria that were found to be applicable across disciplinary
distinctions.
5.3 A survey of international practitioners
The purpose of this survey was: to develop an understanding of the current use
of these technologies in art and design; establish how practitioners think about
and engage with these technologies; and generate an understanding of how
practitioners relate to and engage with other art and design disciplines. The
selected practitioners represent a spectrum of practices from across disciplines
and from a wide range of approaches to their use of computer-based design and
fabrication technologies. This includes both emerging practitioners and wellestablished,
exemplary practitioners.
The main aim of this survey was to prompt practitioners to think and reflect on
their engagement with computer-based design and fabrication technologies and
with other art and design disciplines they consider are related to or relevant to
their practice. The survey sought to form an overview of current activity by
practitioners in the area of enquiry. This allowed the researcher to establish a
baseline of contemporary practice against which to frame the context for the
wider study. The responses gathered were helpful in suggesting and unpacking
terms and notions around which distinctions in the field of enquiry could be
derived.
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