Research by design is the current hot topic within design research. Most actors in the field now realise that there is a large potential for knowledge production within design practice. This knowledge is generated through and by the integration of design activities with research. Though many share this insight it is still unclear what the potential relations between practice and research are. Through the review of a few case studies from the OCEAN design research network, including interdisciplinary sound art installations and the Media Stations for the Deichmannske library in Oslo, the lecture attempts to raise questions and discuss possible approaches to research by design. Birger Sevaldson is a principal researcher in the OCEAN design research network and Professor at the Institute of Industrial Design at AHO Oslo School of Architecture and Design where he has also been vice rector. He holds a doctorate in digital creativity and was the leader of the Council for Design Educations in Norway.