DESIGNING CONNECTIONS: STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING YOUNG DESIGN RESEARCHERS

This study investigates the role of technology-facilitated professional networking in advancing early academic careers in design research. With the proliferation of conferences and publications, effective networking has emerged as a crucial element for knowledge exchange and collaboration. However, the current digital networking landscape often blurs professional and personal boundaries, which can limit engagement for early-career researchers. This research focuses on the viewpoints of these early-career individuals, emphasizing the influence of digital networking on their professional endeavors, how they utilize technology to their advantage, specific needs not being met by existing platforms or desirable features frequently neglected. The objective was to identify essential features that could serve as the foundation for a new networking platform that empowers this particular group. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study reviews existing literature on digital networking and conducts a brief survey among PhD students to ascertain their needs and preferences concerning the current digital networking landscape. Findings reveal that respondents are concerned about the merging of professional and personal boundaries, the credibility of information, content quality, and digital inclusivity. They collectively express a need for more transparent and inclusive services, improved visibility, and trust in information. Additionally, they seek enhanced control over content and more free opportunities to promote their projects. Overall, the research suggests that addressing these could have a transformative effect on digital networking, benefiting both their professional growth and the broader design research community, ultimately contributing to a more engaged academic network.