The concept ‘accompanying research’ (Wissenschaftliche Begleitung, Begleitforschung) has been used in different German innovation programmes to characterise the co-participative, co-shaping and co-evaluative role of researchers. In the field of vocational education, especially the shaping of work was a central issue for this approach, e.g. new concepts for apprenticeship training in companies were developed (Deitmer 2004). In the main examples the role of accompanying research can be characterised in the following ways: a) In the accompaniment of “Work and Technology” programs the accompanying research was characterised by use of specific evaluation methodologies and impact analyses (see Deitmer 2004) b) In the accompaniment of model/pilot schemes (Modellversuche) the approaches varied from programme evaluation methodologies and project-specific studies (see Deitmer et. al 2004). In the context of the design processes of the LL project the role of accompanying research is different from the above mentioned models. The dynamic and participative design processes are characterised by reorientations and shifts of emphasis. This poses specific demands for participative workshops, documentation of the findings and reuse of the materials. This paper provides insights into the development of accompanying research approaches alongside participative design processes in the construction sector.