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RQ1–3
. This is 
explained in Section 4.3. 
2.2. Design research 
The research questions were approached by using a design research method (Edelson, 2002). 
It comprises of theoretical problem analysis and three phases in the empirical design phase, 
which utilised the case study approach. The case study method was selected because it is 
suitable for making a deeper analysis of a certain group in a framed context. The goal was to 
understand the context, not to statistically generalise anything. (Cohen, Manion & Morrison, 
2007) The ESD context described in this study is the quality of learning in an inquiry-based 
project about the life-cycle analysis of a product.
Design research is a cyclic method, which combines theoretical and empirical phases. 
Theoretical problem-analysis is steering the research. Throughout the research project, 
formative assessment of the developed concept was conducted as empirical results were 
compared to theoretical problem-analysis and the aims of the study. (Edelson, 2002) To 
understand the effects of theoretical and empirical variables on a phenomenon, this 
dissertation utilized a case study method (Cohen et al., 2007; Collins, Joseph & Bielaczyc, 
2004). The dissertation involves three case studies, 
Articles I–III
, which served as a basis to 
the conclusions of 
Article IV
.
The definition of design research is vague. Wang and Hannafin (2004) have defined design 
research as a method which aims to improve educational settings through systematic, flexible 
and iterative theoretical analysis, planning, design and implementation aimed to create rules 
and theories for real-life situations. A definition by Collins (1992) states: 
”Design research 

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creates context-based but flexible solutions on a research phenomenon in social interaction”
. 
The contextual reflection may focus on an individual or a culture (Cantell & Koskinen, 2004; 
Pernaa, 2013; Sandovall & Bell, 2004). More detailed description of the definitions, the 
benefits and challenges and the implementation and history of the method are described in 
Juntunen (2013).
A cyclic design research project typically combines qualitative and quantitative study 
methods (Sandovall & Bell, 2004). It produces knowledge about (Edelson, 2002): 
i) how to continue the design (design process), 
ii) what kind of needs and goals there are for the design (problem analysis), and 
iii) what kind of results are generated in the context of the design (design 
solutions)?