Design Process - Research + Analysis

Design Process

The design process is used by all designers in order to generate and develop solutions to solve problems or

‘challenges’

The design process is made up of 5 stages:

- Briefing

- Research

- Initial Ideas

- Design Development

- Final Outcome + Presentation of Design Solution

Research + Analysis

What?

Research is an essential tool in the creative process.

Research will provide inspiration, information and creative direction, as well as a narrative and foundation to a design

project.

Research is about investigation, learning about something new or from the past. It is about reading, visiting or perhaps

viewing, but above all, it is about recording information.

Why?

Research is there to inspire!

It stimulates the mind, and enables you to explore the creative possibilities before you focus your mind towards a specific

concept, theme or direction for your design project.

Research will help you to learn about a subject. To discover new information previously unknown to you, perhaps new skills, new technologies, new materials and processes, or

about existing design works connected to your project.

Research must be above all else inspiring and useful!!

What should research contain?

Research can take many forms and your research can contain information about the following:

shape and form, structure, details, fixings, materials, colours, textures, decoration, graphics, pattern, historical influences,

cultural influences, trends, techniques and processes, design evaluation and any information regarding the function and use

of your design outcome.

Where do you find research?

Primary sources:

findings that have been collected or recorded first hand. research undertaken by yourself in ‘real’ environments such as

museums, galleries and urban areas.

Primary research takes the form of site visits, interviews, or the study of objects and spaces in ‘reality’

Primary sources are often recorded through drawings or photographs, and often provide greater sensory associations, for example, touch and smell may recall memories that may

be used and included in the final design process.

Secondary sources:

These are the findings of other people.

They may be found in books, the internet, journals, and magazines.

They are just as important as primary research sources of research and often allow you to see and read about things that

are no longer around or are not easily accessible.

It is important to understand that research does not have to just be design based...

Research can be compiled in a variety of ways with the use of sketchbooks, design sheets, and research boards.

Research can be analysed through both visual and written means...

The use of 2D (sketching) and 3D (models, material experiments) visual analysis alongside written analysis of key words and short paragraphs of text that help to explain what

you information and knowledge you have gained.

Design Analysis

Written analysis should consider and discuss:

The Designer, Function, Aesthetics, Materials, Manufacture, Inspiration, Design Modification, and Target Audience.

You do not have to comment on all of these elements for every piece of design research undertaken, but just consider

the elements most appropriate to the information or knowledge you are trying to gain