The field of design research has been gaining momentum over the last five years, particularly in educational studies. As papers and articles have grown in number, definition of the domain is now beginning to standardise. This book fulfils a growing need by providing a synthesised assessment of the use of development research in education. It looks at four main elements: background information including origins, definitions of development research, description of applications and benefits and risks associated with studies of this kind - how the approach can serve the design of learning environments and educational technology - quality assurance - how to safeguard academic rigor while conducting design and development studies - a synthesis and overview of the topic along with relevant reflections. 'This collection is a good introduction to the issues of design research as a methodology.' - British Journal of Educational Teachnology Jan van den Akker is Professor at the Department of Curriculum, University of Twente, the Netherlands, and Director of the National Institute for Curriculum Development. Koeno Gravemeijer is Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Utrecht, the Netherlands. Susan McKenney is Assistant Professor at the Department of Curriculum, University of Twente, the Netherlands. Nienke Nieveen is Assistant Professor at the Department of Curriculum, University of Twente, the Netherlands.