Research Process Phases

Research Process Phases Research Methods and Design

RESEARCH METHODS IN DESIGN SEMINAR | BY JACLYN LE | KÖLN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DESIGN | SUPERVISED BY PROFESSOR BRANDES | 2008

Phases of the Research Process

Define a clear, concise, manageable, research/ design problem.

Every problem-solving effort must begin with creating a representation for the problem—a problem space in which the search for the solution can take place.

– Herbert Simon, `Science of Design’

RESEARCH METHODS IN DESIGN SEMINAR | BY JACLYN LE | KÖLN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DESIGN | SUPERVISED BY PROFESSOR BRANDES | 2008

Phases of the Research Process

Review relevant, pre-existing research and literature.

What’s the purpose?

• To develop and frame the problem • To relate findings to previous knowledge and puts the study into perspective • Proves basis for future research • To avoid unintentional, unnecessary replication

RESEARCH METHODS IN DESIGN SEMINAR | BY JACLYN LE | KÖLN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DESIGN | SUPERVISED BY PROFESSOR BRANDES | 2008

Phases of the Research Process

Establish how you will investigate the problem.

Identify research methods that will be used.

Exploratory research: • It is the initial research undertaken before conclusive research (Ie: Concept testing) • Aids researcher in identifying best research design and data collection method • Often associated with qualitative research (Ie: Focus groups, in-depth interviews, prototype testing) RESEARCH METHODS IN DESIGN SEMINAR | BY JACLYN LE | KÖLN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DESIGN | SUPERVISED BY PROFESSOR BRANDES | 2008

Phases of the Research Process

Conclusive research: • Provides information leading to conclusions • Associated with quantitative research (Ie: Surveys, test markets, etc) • Types of conclusive research: • Descriptive: Limited to answering ‘what, who, where, and how?’

(Ie: Questionnaires, observation) • Casual: Objective is to determine cause and-effect relationships (Ie: Experimentation, test markets)

RESEARCH METHODS IN DESIGN SEMINAR | BY JACLYN LE | KÖLN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DESIGN | SUPERVISED BY PROFESSOR BRANDES | 2008

Phases of the Research Process

Collect data through administering the research methods.

RESEARCH METHODS IN DESIGN SEMINAR | BY JACLYN LE | KÖLN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DESIGN | SUPERVISED BY PROFESSOR BRANDES | 2008

Phases of the Research Process

Analyze the data and interpret the findings.

Quantitative data analysis: • Calculating and cross-tabulation • Look for patterns and relationships in data

Qualitative data analysis: • Familiarize oneself with data • Transcription and indexing of data • Organize similar data into groups and label • Look for patterns and relationships in data RESEARCH METHODS IN DESIGN SEMINAR | BY JACLYN LE | KÖLN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DESIGN | SUPERVISED BY PROFESSOR BRANDES | 2008

Phases of the Research Process

Draw conclusions.

• Summarize what has been learned • Suggest leads for future research • Evaluate flaws in the research process • Make recommendations based upon the results

RESEARCH METHODS IN DESIGN SEMINAR | BY JACLYN LE | KÖLN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF DESIGN | SUPERVISED BY PROFESSOR BRANDES | 2008

Research Process Phases Research Methods and Design