Knowscape is an interactive visual framework designed to facilitate critical inquiry and human-centered research. This pilot version focuses on product designers, providing them with a structured and engaging platform to explore contextual and user research through a series of layered maps and tailored guiding questions. The framework aims to help designers navigate complex problem spaces, understand diverse user needs, and incorporate nuanced perspectives into their design process; Knowscape promotes more intentional, contextual and holistic solutions.

Knowscape stems from noticing gaps in emphasizing and providing tools for strong contextual and user critical inquiry in product design education. Inspired by Appadurai's ideas on democratizing knowledge and the co-creation of publics, the project envisions critical inquiry as an essential skill for participatory research and democratic design. While this iteration is tailored to product designers, Knowscape is conceived as a scalable and adaptable tool for professionals across disciplines. By equipping users with an intuitive and visually engaging platform, Knowscape aims to bridge gaps in accessibility and help designers shape participatory and context-sensitive solutions for their communities.