What does “design research” mean?

Summary

This video explores key concepts in design research, focusing on three main categories: research for design, research into design, and research through design. The speaker discusses how each category serves different purposes in the design process and emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which design research is applied. With the rise of new tools and methodologies, the boundaries between these categories are increasingly blurred, especially in fields like tech and interaction design. The video aims to provide clarity on how to approach and understand design research in modern practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research for design focuses on enhancing design by improving its functionality, usability, and aesthetics.
• 😀 Research into design is about studying and understanding the practices, behaviors, and environments of designers.
• 😀 Research through design involves creating artifacts to explore and reveal new insights or ideas about the world.
• 😀 Research through design is often used in fields like product design, interaction design, UX, and HCI.
• 😀 The boundaries between research for design and research through design are increasingly blurred, especially in tech fields.
• 😀 In rapid iteration processes, like agile or lean, both research for design and research through design can happen simultaneously.
• 😀 Tools like Figma, Photoshop, Webflow, Canva, and Squarespace empower designers by allowing them to build and showcase their work.
• 😀 New tools are not just for design work but are also important for managing business operations, such as client outreach, project management, and sales.
• 😀 Being too strict in categorizing design research can be counterproductive; it’s more beneficial to embrace various approaches.
• 😀 Competence in design research is about choosing the right approach for the context and being clear about the purpose of the work.
• 😀 The speaker encourages clarity when discussing design research, making sure the type of research (for, into, or through design) is well-defined.

Q & A

What are the three types of design research discussed in the script?

The three types of design research discussed are: 'research for design,' 'research into design,' and 'research through design.' Each type focuses on different aspects of design: 'research for design' supports the design process, 'research into design' explores design as a subject, and 'research through design' uses design as a method to uncover insights.

What is the main difference between 'research for design' and 'research into design'?

'Research for design' is focused on gathering insights to directly support the design process, aiming to improve the design itself. In contrast, 'research into design' looks at design as a subject of study, analyzing how design works, the practices of designers, or the impact of design in various contexts.

How does 'research through design' differ from the other two types of design research?

'Research through design' uses the process of designing itself as a method to answer research questions or explore the world. The design artifacts created during this process become part of the research, revealing insights that would not be obtainable through other research methods.

Why are the boundaries between 'research for design' and 'research through design' often blurred, especially in technology and product design?

In fields like technology, product design, and software, the rapid iteration and constant evolution of products can make it difficult to distinguish between 'research for design' and 'research through design.' Design processes often involve continuous cycles of feedback and refinement, which means both types of research can occur simultaneously.

What is the significance of tools like Figma, Canva, and Webflow in the context of design research?

Tools like Figma, Canva, and Webflow are important for designers not only in their design work but also in managing their business operations, reaching clients, and showcasing their work. These tools empower designers to create, collaborate, and communicate, thereby playing a crucial role in both design and research processes.

How does user-centered design influence the types of design research?

User-centered design emphasizes creating products based on the needs and feedback of the end-users. This approach impacts design research by blurring the lines between different research types, as it involves both gathering insights for design ('research for design') and sometimes using design as a research method to better understand user behavior ('research through design').

What is the danger of being too methodical and rigorous in 'research through design'?

In 'research through design,' the focus is on the creative process and using design as a means of exploration. Being too methodical or rigid can stifle creativity and hinder the purpose of using design as a tool to uncover new insights. Flexibility and adaptability are key in this type of research.

What role does the clarity of purpose play in design research?

Clarity of purpose is crucial in design research because it helps researchers select the appropriate research method and standards. Whether conducting 'research for design,' 'research into design,' or 'research through design,' being clear about the purpose ensures that the research is focused, relevant, and aligned with the desired outcomes.

Why is it important to avoid having an overly narrow or overly broad view of design research?

Having an overly narrow view of design research limits creativity and overlooks the diversity of approaches that can be valuable. On the other hand, an overly broad view where anything is accepted as design research can lead to a lack of structure and focus. A balanced approach, with clear standards, is essential for effective design research.

How have developments in design technologies affected the boundaries between different types of design research?

The rapid development of design technologies, such as agile and lean processes in tech and product design, has blurred the boundaries between research types. These technologies encourage constant iteration, which means research activities often overlap. Researchers and designers now combine aspects of 'research for design' and 'research through design' in iterative processes that may never have clear-cut distinctions.