Research in the Design Process
- Research is a continuous and integral part of the design process. It helps designers:
- Identify design opportunities.
- Understand user needs.
- Generate feasible solutions.
- Designers use different types of research to gather information:
- Primary and Secondary Sources.
- Qualitative and Quantitative Data.
Primary Sources
Primary Research
Research carried out directly by the user through testing, observation, or data collection to gather original insights.
Key Primary Sources
- User Observations
- Interviews
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Focus Groups
- Material Testing
- Product Analysis
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Directly related to the specific design problem | Collecting data can be slow |
| Designers can tailor the research to their needs | Requires resources and effort |
- Refer back too A2.1.4 for more information on using interviews, focus groups, surveys etc.
- Material testing will be explored in C3.1.4
Product Analysis
Product Analysis
A systematic evaluation of a product to assess its features, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and uncover opportunities for enhancement or innovation.
Key Components of Product Analysis
- Function
- What does the product do?
- How does it achieve its purpose?
- Performance
- How well does the product perform its intended function?
- Are there any limitations or areas for improvement?
- Features
- What are the key characteristics of the product?
- How do these features contribute to its function and performance?
The Role of Product Analysis in Design
- Identify gaps in existing products
- Inspire new ideas by studying how products work
- Evaluate competitors to set benchmarks and stand out
Use ACCESSFM as a starting point to evaluate a product’s key features and performance:
- A: Aesthetics
- C: Cost
- C: Customer
- E: Environment
- S: Size
- S: Safety
- F: Function
- M: Materials
- When conducting product analysis, always ask why a design choice was made.
- This curiosity can lead to deeper insights and more innovative solutions.
Secondary Sources
Secondary Research
Research undertaken by someone other than the user.
Key Secondary Sources
- Internet-Based Research
- Government Data and Statistics
- University Research
- Literature Search
Secondary research is often more cost-effective and time-efficient than primary research, as it leverages existing data.
Internet-Based Research
- Websites, blogs, forums, and online databases offer a wealth of information.
- Advantages:
- Wide accessibility: Information is readily available.
- Diverse perspectives: Includes user reviews, expert opinions, and market trends.
- Challenges:
- Credibility: Not all sources are reliable.
- Overload: The sheer volume of data can be overwhelming.
When conducting internet-based research, always check the author’s credentials, publication date, and sources cited and triangulate your findings by comparing information across multiple reliable sources.
