Media Concepts Research Group (MCRG) studies the digitalization of media from several viewpoints: content, visuality, production, media use, technology, business models and management. The changes affecting the media field need to be studied a a network of intertwined influences. MCRG is situated at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Media in Helsinki Finland.
It was founded in 2006 and it focuses on researching and developing media concepts. In our definition of a media concept each media tittle is produced on of three levels. The first level include the social situation, the values and goals of the publishers, journalistic culture, new technological tools and audience needs and practices. The second level consists of the architecture of both the organization and the media title. The third level consist of the daily work practices and skills. Media Concepts Research Group studies media from different theoretical viewpoints. The research is based on media studies, cultural historical activity theory, audience research, visual design, usability and design as well as media business and management research. Also feminist media studies as well cultural studies approach are part of groups theoretical orientation.Research data is gathered mostly in developmental interventions, which aim at researching and developing media concepts. The research belongs to the use-inspired tradition and is closely connected to producers and consumers of media.
