Research through co-design: the early idea and origin

This chapter introduces the early concept of RTC as a novel application of Control System Theory (CST) within Research Through Design (RTD) and co-design. It embeds the participatory paradigm through collaborative design practice, transforming research into a collective learning process for all participants. The chapter specifically explores the origins and significance of RTC, explaining why RTD, co-design, and CST have been adopted to construct its theoretical framework. It then discusses various perspectives on co-design, outlining its historical development to clarify how co-design is interpreted within RTC. Finally, the chapter explains how this book was conceived and introduces the key questions guiding the discussions throughout. A few challenges are presented to provide readers with essential concepts to support their engagement with the subsequent chapters. These challenges and questions will be revisited in the final chapter to facilitate a concluding discussion.