Applied design research thrives in and even flourishes in complexity. It is more than just a methodology, a lens or a problem-solving approach—it is a transformative practice that shapes, nourishes and intertwines technology, societal structures, and professional knowledge ecosystems. Rather than avoiding complexity, applied design researchers embrace it as a space and continuum for inquiry and innovation. As Kuipers et al. (Chapter 4) describe, applied design researchers create a temporary boundary world. A fluid space where boundaries shift, and participants discover new ways of seeing, understanding, and responding to the changes we aspire to achieve.
