RTD is back with Roams
Research Through Design (RTD) began in 2013 as an alternative space for sharing, disseminating and championing the role and agency of practice-based design research. From the first edition at the Baltic in Gateshead in England, RTD placed the practice at the centre of proceedings, with a curated exhibition of tangible design artefacts, accompanied by roundtable conversations in Rooms of Interest. The format is inspired by the art and design school ‘crit’, supporting constructive critique and egalitarianism. It is aimed at interrogating research and recognising diverse forms of visual and material literacy whilst challenging the dominance of text-based modes. Diversity, interdisciplinarity and international engagement was encouraged. Work-in-progress was welcomed as legitimate forms of knowledge to document and share, as well as polished design outcomes.
The conference grew into a biennial series, with Cambridge, England, in 2015, Edinburgh, Scotland, in 2017, Delft, The Netherlands, in 2019. Each edition has embraced the core ethos whilst experimenting with new ways to bring practitioners, researchers and design materials together: through workshopping, performances and provocations. Each edition has produced learning within the RTD community, including how features of the format are valued. Place matters for bringing people together around their work in relatively intimate settings. The dialogical dissemination format reflects how knowledge is made through encounters between researchers, materials, artefacts, and communities, challenging the traditional conference presentations to audiences in darkened auditoriums.
RTD paused after 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impacts. After a hiatus, the conference series returns, and in experimental spirit explores a new, transnational format.
For 2027, RTD is returning as RTD Roams.
Rather than gathering in a single location, RTD Roams 2027 will take place across three sites simultaneously, each hosting a smaller, place-based event with its own thematic focus and local character:
- York Roam, UK — hosted by University of York, Royal College of Art (RCA) & University of Brighton (dates to be confirmed)
- Melbourne / Naarm Roam, Australia — hosted by RMIT & Monash University (6-8th July 2027)
- Tokyo Roam, Japan — hosted by Musashino Art University (week commencing 26 July 2027 )
This new format offers a more situated and local setting for design researchers to gather, share, critique and learn in ways that are relevant for the local RTD practitioner community.
The full Call for Contributions launches in this Autumn/Fall 2026 — look out for details on themes, submission routes, and how to take part in each Roam.
Stay tuned.