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In this paper we recount several research projects conducted at ImaginationLancaster (http://imagination.lancs.ac.uk) a Design-led research laboratory, all of which consider Object-Oriented Ontology (OOO). The role OOO plays in these projects is varied: as a generative mechanism contributing to ideation; as a framework for analysis; and as a constituent in developing new design theory. Each project’s focus is quite unique—an app, a board game, a set of Tarot cards, a kettle and a living room—however they are all concerned with developing new understandings relating to the ubiquitous, networked, ‘smart’ technologies which are often referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT). Through our reflexive account of these research projects the aim of this paper is to provide insights into, and promote new discussion about, the relevance and scope for OOO in socio-technical Design Research, and beyond.

The article offers information on several digital-nature artifacts designed to support visitor engagement with nature in a public garden environment. It mentions use of a research through design approach and practice of research through design and the hybrid artifacts. It explores the relationship between nature and digital technology and its role in advancing the design of digital interpretation to support people's connection to nature. It also discusses use of research-through-design approach as a generative way of producing knowledge.

Telling the stories of people that have come through the care system is an important task, not only to let the wider public understand the issues that these people face but to help those on their way into the care system as well. These transformative stories written and researched by those same young people that have traversed the care system, required a novel method of portrayal. To that end the young people were given tools that enabled them to help in the design of physical/digital hybrid objects that would allow people to truly interact with the stories. This paper discusses how the research team approached giving the young people those tools and the outputs that those people then produced. By enabling the young people as co-researchers a further depth of discovery was achieved that wouldn’t have been possible without that same input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]