Brainstorming the context–text dialectic: epistemic reflections from early-career researchers on urban design research

Purpose This paper aims to present context-text analytical procedures (CTAP) designed to enable early-career researchers (ECRs) in urban design to critically synthesise existing literature. CTAP moves beyond traditional socio-spatial definitions of the “context” of written text by integrating spatiotemporal, societal, historical, and intellectual dimensions that influence meaning and interpretation. By adopting these procedures, ECRs can more effectively interpret, evaluate, and synthesise urban design discourse with greater depth and clarity. Design/methodology/approach We employed a qualitative research approach that combines structured brainstorming and bibliometric content analysis. A brainstorming session was conducted with 15 researchers from 10 universities to capture experiential insights and challenges. Additionally, a directed qualitative content analysis was performed on 49 peer-reviewed manuscripts, comprising 16 from the social sciences and 33 from urban studies. These methods informed the development of a five-step CTAP for critically engaging with context in urban design research. Findings Our study presents a five-step CTAP and identifies five key considerations illustrating how contextual dimensions—spatiotemporal, societal, intellectual, and historical—interact with textual practices in urban design research. The findings highlight the pivotal role of the interplay between context and text in shaping urban design discourse. Our CTAP facilitates a more rigorous and nuanced interpretation of urban design literature, thereby supporting scholarly advancement within the field. Originality/value This study uniquely foregrounds the underexplored context–text interplay in urban design research. Drawing on qualitative insights, it introduces a five-step CTAP and five contextual considerations to guide ECRs’ literature review practices in urban design discourse.