The Trends and Characteristics of Grounded Theory Research in the Field of Design : An Exploration through Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA)

This study analyzed 17 grounded theory studies in the Korean design field published between 2016 and 2025. The analysis focused on research topics, data collection methods, procedures, outcomes, and the use of mixed methods. Results indicate that grounded theory was most often applied in user experience design, with interviews as the primary data source and Strauss and Corbin’s systematic approach as the dominant procedure. Outcomes emphasized practical models over theoretical constructs, and many studies incorporated surveys or quantitative analysis alongside grounded theory. These findings suggest that, in design contexts, grounded theory is valued more for its practical utility than for methodological rigor, serving as a bridge between research and practice. The absence of constructivist approaches highlights the need for interpretive and post-qualitative directions in future work, as well as broader comparative studies that situate Korean design scholarship within an international context.