1.4. Approach and methodology
This research is based on literature studies and several case studies. These theoretical and practical components serve as material to study the work processes and the outcomes of the collaborative process.
The investigation addresses fundamental questions about the ‘research and development methods’ of the artists who are involved in interdisciplinary collaboration in art, computer science and/or engineering. Based on literature and the analysed case studies, the characteristics of artistic research and development are defined. The art methods proposed in this research include references from a broad field of formal methods and informal approaches (e.g. technology, media art, cybernetics, system theory, design practice, visual arts, theatre and music). In addition to the formal methods, I analyse the artistic research and development process of a range of artistic practices without formal research and development traditions. The literature about artistic research and development is complemented by an analysis of the collaborator’s motivation, intentions and the expectations towards collaboration with other disciplines. I investigate the subject through comparative literature studies from different expert-fields. Stereotypes are categorised, compared and reality checked via literature from the arts and case studies. In the case studies, practice and reflections about this practice are intertwined. In addition to the research and development of electronic art works, the involved artists were encouraged to participate in dialogues and debates with representatives of other disciplines. Thus the case studies vary from debates and conferences to research and development of electronic art projects. The outline of each of the organised events included (one or some of) my research questions. While most case studies are carried out in the Netherlands, the research has an international scope through the diverse origins of the participants in the case studies.
