What does a transformative design utilize as its framework?

A transformative design uses social justice theory as its framework, focusing on equity, inclusion, and empowerment in research. This approach emphasizes the needs and perspectives of marginalized populations, prioritizing their voices and lived experiences in the research process. By grounding the design in social justice principles, researchers aim to create transformative outcomes that not only address inequities but also foster a deeper understanding of social issues.

This framework encourages an examination of power dynamics and advocates for change within societal structures, positioning the research as a tool for social change rather than merely a means of data collection. Transformative design often incorporates collaborative methods, drawing on the experiences of those affected by the issues being studied to ensure that their insights inform the research direction and conclusions.

Other approaches, such as case studies or statistical models, do not inherently prioritize social justice or equity, and purely qualitative methodologies, while they can contribute valuable insights, may not provide the intentional political and social critique that characterizes transformative research.