NewsCubed

Abstract

As journalism navigates a new technological landscape, both researchers and practitioners need ways to innovate. Established methods of journalism research are designed to study practice and understand its importance, but they are not suited to solving problems or developing new ideas. This paper argues that design methods provide tools that allow journalism researchers to address problems in parallel with solutions and to invent new practice. The paper outlines the development of the NewsCube, an innovative storytelling tool. In doing so, it demonstrates how design produces artefacts that act as tools for reflection and knowledge production. The study contributes to discussion around practice-led research in journalism and shows how such research can provide perspectives on journalism that more conventional forms of enquiry cannot.