As researchers, a conversation that often makes its way to the forefront is the notion of positionality. How, if at all, do we situate ourselves within the context of our work? And this seems like a good place to begin this first blog post.

In truth, the xDX Project at Carleton University was one of the determining factors in my decision to move to Ottawa to pursue my doctoral research. This project coalesces a number of my own research interests. I’m interested in applied arts and design histories, consideration of the quotidian, as well as interdisciplinary and collaborative research methodologies. I’m also interested in the implementation of innovative media strategies for knowledge dissemination. In the case of the xDX Project, this means archival and cataloguing practices using linked open data models emerging from digital humanities frameworks.  

I love that our teaching collection at Carleton, inherited from the Design Exchange, is comprised of an array of mostly mass-produced design objects, ranging anywhere from Melmac cups to electric kettles. The collection encourages dialogical engagement through direct interaction with these objects, fostering new perspectives, ideas, and questions.

As a teaching collection, we are learning not only about each object as we explore the material and historical facets. More broadly, and perhaps unlike other institutions with established acquisition and cataloguing practices or defined database policies, we are, in tandem, learning about collections management and information dissemination. Those who know me have heard my favourite adage (likely more than once) from this past year – we are learning how to build the plane while we are busy flying it.