Introduction: Star and Bowker describe the residual as what does not fit into a category system and as an inevitable byproduct of classification. In this project, we explore what happens when we attempt to give prominence to the residual instead of minimizing it. Methods: The three authors created three "transformations" of a small digital video library to enact three approaches to highlighting residuality. We also collected critical responses to our transformations from both invited experts and from students in a course on collection design. Findings: We show, through a discussion of coherence and authenticity in collections, how our thinking evolved through the related processes of making the design experiments, reflecting on the completed products, and synthesizing and contemplating the critical responses. Conclusion: At its current stage, the primary contribution of this project is in its vision and novel approach. Our research method involves both the process of design itself and various forms of structured reflection on the experimental products. We suggest that such theoretically motivated design interventions form a productive complement to the existing repertoire of research methods for information studies in general, and for knowledge organization in particular. [This paper was published as part of: Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Conceptions of Library and Information Science, Copenhagen, Denmark, 19-22 August, 2013.]