Abstract
Engineering Design research relies on quantitative and qualitative data to describe design-related phenomena and prescribe improvements for design practice. Given data availability, privacy requirements and other constraints, most empirical data used in Engineering Design research can be
described as “closed”. Keeping such data closed is in many cases necessary and justifiable. However, this closedness also hinders replicability, and thus, may limit our possibilities to test the validity and reliability of research results in the field. This paper discusses implications and applications of using the already available and continuously growing body of open data sources to create opportunities for research in Engineering Design. Insights are illustrated by an examination of two examples: a study of open source software repositories and an analysis of open business registries in the cleantech industry. We conclude with a discussion about the limitations, challenges and risks of using open data in Engineering Design research and practice.
described as “closed”. Keeping such data closed is in many cases necessary and justifiable. However, this closedness also hinders replicability, and thus, may limit our possibilities to test the validity and reliability of research results in the field. This paper discusses implications and applications of using the already available and continuously growing body of open data sources to create opportunities for research in Engineering Design. Insights are illustrated by an examination of two examples: a study of open source software repositories and an analysis of open business registries in the cleantech industry. We conclude with a discussion about the limitations, challenges and risks of using open data in Engineering Design research and practice.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED17), Vol. 7: Design Theory and Research Methodology |
Publisher | Design Society |
Publication date | 2017 |
Pages | 41-51 |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Event | 21th International Conference on Engineering Design - The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Duration: 21 Aug 2017 → 25 Aug 2017 http://iced17.org/ |
Conference
Conference | 21th International Conference on Engineering Design |
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Location | The University of British Columbia |
Country/Territory | Canada |
City | Vancouver |
Period | 21/08/2017 → 25/08/2017 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- Information management
- Reserch methodologies and methods
- Open source design
- Data-driven design
- Open data