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.
Government Data and Statistics
- Census data, economic reports, and policy documents provide authoritative insights.
- Advantages:
- Reliability: Often well-researched and accurate.
- Comprehensive: Covers large populations and long timeframes.
- Challenges:
- Timeliness: Data may be outdated.
- Specificity: May not address niche design needs.
University Research
- Academic papers, theses, and conference proceedings offer in-depth analysis.
- Advantages:
- Rigor: Peer-reviewed and methodologically sound.
- Innovative: Often explores cutting-edge topics.
- Challenges:
- Accessibility: Some research is behind paywalls.
- Complexity: Language can be technical and dense.
Literature Search
- Books, journals, and industry reports provide historical and theoretical context.
- Advantages:
- Depth: Offers comprehensive coverage of topics.
- Authority: Written by experts in the field.
- Challenges:
- Relevance: May not reflect current trends.
- Time-Consuming: Requires careful reading and analysis.
- Don't rely solely on secondary research.
- It's essential to complement it with primary data to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the problem.
Qualitative and Quantitative Data
Qualitative Data
Qualitative data
Non-numerical information that reveals people's thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, often gathered through interviews or observations.
Advantages:
- Depth: Provides rich, detailed insights.
- Context: Helps understand the why behind user behaviors.
Disadvantages:
- Subjective: Can be influenced by personal biases.
- Difficult to Analyze: Requires interpretation and synthesis.
Quantitative Data
Quantitative data
Numerical information that can be measured and recorded, such as height, weight, shoe size, or the depth of a kitchen counter.
Advantages:
- Objective: Provides measurable and comparable results.
- Scalable: Can be collected from large samples.
Disadvantages:
- Lacks Depth: May not capture the full context of user experiences.
- Requires Statistical Skills: Analysis can be complex.
When analysing research data, consider both qualitative insights (user experiences) and quantitative metrics (statistical trends) to form a comprehensive understanding of the design problem.
Integrating Research Throughout the Design Process
Research is not limited to the early stages of design. It should be integrated throughout:
- Discovery: Identifying opportunities and defining the problem.
- Ideation: Generating and refining ideas.
- Prototyping: Testing solutions with users.
- Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of the design.
Explain how a primary persona was used to develop the design of the Apple Smart Bottle (3 marks).
Solution
Answers may demonstrate: Award [1] for each relevant review point / evidence considered / balanced explanation how a primary persona may have been used to guide the design development for the list below up to [3 max]
- A persona is a generalised profile of users who are experiencing a challenge in a process that presents a design opportunity. (definition)
- The sleek, minimalist form and smart interface reflect the preferences of tech-savvy users.
- To establish what appeals to users’ taste / aesthetic preferences.
- The hydration tracking feature and app integration are designed for users who want to monitor their water intake throughout the day.
