Research & Design Fundamentals

Research & Design Fundamentals

• Research: Exploration and investigation into a subject to gather information, analyze data, and gain insights.
• Design: Process of combining visual elements to communicate a message or information.
• Research informs design, and design informs research.

Primary vs. Secondary Research

• Primary Research: New research conducted to answer specific questions. Examples include questionnaires, surveys, and interviews.
• Secondary Research: Uses previously researched information. Examples include published reports, surveys, and online resources.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

• Quantitative Research: Focuses on counting and measuring. Examples include Likert scales and semantic differential questions.
• Qualitative Research: Explores deeper reasons, opinions, and motivations. Examples include interviews and observations.

Love/Breakup Letters + Thematic Analysis

• Love/Breakup Letters: Qualitative research examining people's favorite and least favorite aspects of a subject.
• Thematic Analysis: Qualitative research method identifying recurring patterns and themes in data.

Brainstorming & KJ Technique

• KJ Technique: Categorizes ideas into themes to organize and prioritize information. Steps include understanding the project, individually writing concerns, identifying connections, creating hierarchies, and identifying design factors.

Ethnography

• Ethnography: Detailed observation of people's behaviors, beliefs, and preferences in natural settings. Methods include interaction, observation, photography, and surveys.

Bias in Research & Design

• Bias: Predisposition based on preconceived ideas rather than evidence.
• Bias influences data collection and interpretation, potentially leading to inaccurate design results.

Observational Research (AEIOU)

• AEIOU Format: Guide for observational research, categorizing observations by Activities, Environment, Interactions, Objects, and Users.

Interviewing (5-Act Format)

• 5-Act Interview: Structured interview format with clear stages:
  • Act 1: Welcome and building comfort
  • Act 2: Context questions
  • Act 3: Introduce prototype
  • Act 4: Task-based questions
  • Act 5: Debrief

Online Surveys & Question Types

• Binary Questions: Yes/No questions.
• Semantic Differential: Rating scale measuring meaning and associations to concepts.
• Likert Scale: Scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree) for measuring opinions, perceptions, etc.

Case Studies & Literature Reviews

• Case Study: In-depth analysis of a specific subject within a field to clarify understanding, explain rationale, and evaluate previous research.
• Verification of Sources: Look for bias, reliability, validity, and credibility in case studies and literature reviews. Consider source viewpoints, verification through other sources, and author qualifications.

Persona Development

• Persona Purpose: Represents different user types based on needs, behaviors, and goals.
• Demographics: Statistical data (age, income, gender, education).
• Psychographics: Subjective data on attitudes, values, and interests.

Journey Map

• Journey Map: Visual representation of user's experience with a product/service, encompassing phases like Discover, Consideration, Acquisition, Experience, and Loyalty.

Content Development

• Content Development: Understanding and crafting content based on purpose, medium, and target.

User Testing Methods

• Focus Groups: Group discussions on a product.
• 5-Act Interview: Structured interview format.
• A/B Testing: Comparing two versions of a design.
• Stakeholder Walkthrough: Group testing (stakeholders).
• Ergonomics Testing: Assessing usability and comfort.

Analytics

• Analytics: Measuring user traffic, engagement, and interactions.
• Acquisition: Building user interest.
• Conversion: User making a transaction.
• Behavior Reports: Data on user actions.
• Search Types: Organic, social, referral, direct.
• Bounce Rate: Percentage of users leaving after one page view.

Quoting Worksheet

• Phases: Research & discovery, conceptual direction, revisions, full design, printing.
• Calculations: Tracking hours and markups.

Visitor's Bill of Rights (No included in this note)

This quiz explores the essential principles of research and design, covering topics such as primary vs. secondary research, and qualitative vs. quantitative research methods. Understand how each type of research informs design processes and vice versa. Test your knowledge of thematic analysis using love and breakup letters.