Within the frame of this exploratory essay, small studies in materiality are introduced as artifacts of relatively simple means, designer driven, and as useful in anchoring strategies to reflexively map research methods in art and design practices. Using concepts from science and technology studies (STS), a series of projects are contextually presented and modes of working are tracked. Small studies discusses how artists and designers can better position themselves to critically assess relationships between the complex, interconnected design issues they encounter in their artistic practices, and the methods they opt to employ. The essay concludes that in fields where art and design are used shape, direct or even generate inquiry; comparative reflexivity in method becomes a critical part of scholarly investigations.

Folk flest bor i byer. I dag bor over halvparten av jordas befolkning i byer, og innen 2050 forventes andelen å øke til to tredjedeler.