The document proposes that communications design should be studied as a pure science through experimental methodologies conducted outside of commercial constraints. This theoretical research could lead to unexpected discoveries about meaning, production methods, and how meaning is translated for audiences. Later, theoretical findings could inform applied practice. The document discusses methodologies from science, art, and communications design that could be applied to theoretical research labs for communications design. These labs could explore topics like semiotics, substrates, and interdisciplinary fields with the goal of increasing creativity and establishing new laws and theories of the field.

1. I. Intro and Hypothesis:
Communications design should be studied as a pure science as opposed to an applied science.
Experimentation should be conducted outside the constraints of commodified production, using a
methodology that allows for exploration and the discovery of unexpected adjacencies. Thus, theoretical
research can later inform application. Theoretical research in communications design could lead to
groundbreaking discoveries about meaning and context, methods of production and the
translation of meaning to audiences
II. Science
A. Methodologies and Practice12
1) Applied Science
2) Pure Science3
B. Pure Science as Best Practice3, 4
1) Examples and supporting info
C. Funding and Paradigms4
D. Outcomes
III. Art
A. Methodologies and Practice (that relate to design practice)
1) Collage
2) Surrealism5
3) Immaterial art6
B. Funding and Paradigms for Facilitating Research (research=making)
1) Grants7,8
2) Residencies9
3) Educational
4) Self-funded10
5) Commissions
C. Outcomes
IV. Communications Design
A. Methodologies and Practice11
1) Intuition12
2) Collaboration
3) Research
4) Strategy
B. Funding and Paradigms for Facilitating Research (research=data collection+making)
1) Commodified Practice (designer/client)
2) Education
3) Pro-bono
4) Residencies
5) Workshops
C. Outcomes

2. V. The Future: Starting Point = Methodological Congruencies
A. Intersections
1) Science + Design
2) Art + Design
C. Application and Practice - Creating New Paradigms for Research
1) Science + Design
2) Art + Design
3) Possible Outcomes and Intersections
VI. Existing Models
Within a (System)
A. Corporate
B. Collaborative
C. Educational/Residency
D. Government Sponsored
VII. Envisioning the Ideal - Communications Design Labs
A. Possible Topics of Exploration
1) Semiotics
2) Substrates
3) Interdisciplinary (ex. Bioart)
4) Mediums for communication
B. Benefits
1) Increased Creativity/Originality
2) Establishing Laws and Theories
3) Discovery of Substrates and Mediums
4) Increased Community
5) Maintaining and Supporting Individual Voices

3. 1
McComas, Ten Myths About Science (check citation-find original source)
2
Konstantinos
3
James K., Feibleman. "Pure Science, Applied Science, Technology, Engineering:
An Attempt at Definitions." The John Hopkins University Press 2.4 (1961):
305-317. JSTOR. Web. 17 Feb. 2012.
4
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory ESLI project
http://www.lbl.gov/Education/ELSI/research-main.html
5
Metropolitan Museum Surrealism Article
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/surr/hd_surr.htm
6
Lippard, Lucy R. Six years: The Dematerialization of the Art Object from 1966 to 1972;
a cross-reference book of information on some esthetic boundaries.
New York: Praeger, 1973. Print.
7
NEA Visual Arts Grants
http://www.nea.gov/grants/apply/Visualarts.html
8
Creative Capital
http://creative-capital.org/
9
Impact: Design for Social Change Residency - School of Visual Arts
http://impact.sva.edu/
10
Kickstarter Campaigns (ex. KerenMoscovitch)
http://www.kickstarter.com/
11
Bowers, John. "Methodologies." Introduction to two-dimensional design:
understanding form and function. New York: Wiley, 1999. 15-48. Print.
12
McCoy, Katherine. Education in an Adolescent Profession.
The Education of a Graphic Designer ed. Steven Heller. p. 3-12
(check for proper citation of book with editor- anthology)