Making the DREAM reality: A SSM based model for the communication of design research

This paper proposes the process in which research work can be more efficiently and effectively communicated between interested parties. Initially, it will highlight problems with the use of existing methods for communicating research work into the particular context of design. For the purpose of this paper, communication will refer to its two-way process and it will imply the tasks of contributing, assessing and seeking relevant work, as well as, reacting on it. It then demonstrates how the application of SSM enabled an improved re-construction for the conceptual basis of this process as a whole. This led researchers to keep informed of timely, relevant and refereed work. A model to be called DREAM was produced; this is to serve, as it is proposed to be the framework for the development of other similar activity systems. Various prototypes have been produced to test the model's efficiency and effectiveness; and ultimately, to justify the forewords. Futuristically, it presents some emerging technologies that can be incorporated with the DREAM concept. Last but not least, it will be worth of noting that the generic nature of the model suggests its use in communicating multiple research topics including art, architecture, engineering, information science, business and others.