This paper was accepted to the Design Research Society Conference 2008.

An assumption behind this paper is that research aimed at improving design practice is not as successful as it could be. We will argue that one reason for this is that the understanding of what constitutes designerly tools is not enough recognized among those who propose new tools for design. We define designerly tools as methods, tools, techniques, and approaches that supports design activity in way that is appreciated by practicing designers. Based on a two small empirical studies, we have developed a framework and a way of studying designers and their tools. We discuss some insights about what characterizes designerly tools and what kind of implications these insights might have for the further development of tools aimed at supporting design practice.