Presentation by Jaclyn Le of the "Research Process Phases" for the scientific seminar, Research Methods and Design

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Research
Process Phases
Research Methods and Design