The design process consists of 5 stages: briefing, research, initial ideas, design development, and final outcome presentation. Research is an essential part of the creative process and design analysis. It provides inspiration, information, and direction for a design project. Research can take many forms, including primary sources like site visits and secondary sources like books and magazines. Both visual and written analysis of research findings are important for understanding and applying the information to a design project.
6. 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
9. 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.
14. 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!!
17. 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.
21. 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.
25. 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.
28. It is important to understand that research does not have to
just be design based...
31. Research can be compiled in a variety of ways with the use of
sketchbooks, design sheets, and research boards.
33. 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.
36. 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