The Design Research Process
Design research can seem like it’s miles away from designing. Really though, it’s about innovation and finding how and what to design so our work is relevant. Let’s talk about it in this brief video:
With all that innovation comes a lot of steps. Let’s look at the design research process in-depth. Here’s the full process. While all of these steps are not needed for every project, many of them apply for even basic projects.
| Activity | Activity Type |
|---|---|
| The Research Question | Define an answerable question whose answer is not “yes” or “no” |
| Secondary Research | Identify what you know and what you need to know about the topic Identify who this topic affects |
| Bound the Population | Define who you will study and who you will not |
| Methods Selection | Select the most appropriate methods to get the data you seek |
| Research Ethics | Draft an informed consent form Secure IRB approval to ensure your methods are not damaging |
| Observations | Devise a plan for where and when to conduct observations Conduct observations and record field notes |
| Surveys | Write survey questions Conduct survey(s) |
| Interviews | Write interview questions Secure interviews Conduct interviews |
| Focus Groups | Write focus group questions Conduct focus groups |
| Data Coding and Analysis | Code data Analyze data |
| Themes | Define themes that come out of the data Make conclusions (your a-ha moments!) |
| Design | Determine how design could impact the topic (what kind of design, how it should look) |
| Report | Report the process so others can know how you arrived at your conclusions |
Designing the Research
Research is designed. Each step is selected, planned, tested, and implemented to help you answer your research question. Methodically designing your research project will ensure your project can be operated smoothly.
By the time you plan your research process, you should have defined a clearly bounded population. If not, it’s time to make sure who is being researched is explicitly stated.
You have likely also selected a research approach by this point:
- Quantitative Approach
- Qualitative Approach
- Mixed-Methods Approach
The next step in the process is designing the research materials that will be operated to answer the research question.
Methods
First, select methods that are appropriate for the data you are wanting to collect.
Observations
- etic observations
- emic observations
- participant observations
Interviews
- open-ended interviews
- semi-structured interviews
- structured interviews
Surveys
- online surveys
- paper surveys
- in-person surveys
Documents
- personal documents
- public documents
Audio-Visual Materials
- social media
- film
- sounds
- photographs
Engaged Methods
- participant activity diaries or journals
- participants wearing cameras or other sensors
- participants using clickers to record incidents
Research Operation and Instruments
For each method, questions and plans must be developed for how and when the project will actually be operated. This content is required for the IRB application. These materials may include:
Sampling
How and why the population sample will be selected (review the Sampling page for a refresher)
Intellectual Property
If the project is in partnership with a company or other entity where intellectual property rights and laws could be an issue, establish those agreements now.
Survey and Interview Questions
- Each question you will ask, exactly as it will be asked (this is referred to as an Interview Schedule or Guide)
Observation Plans
- Places you plan to go
- Types of observations you will make
- How involved these observations will be in participants’ lives
- When observations will be completed (frequency, duration, and window of time)
Review this basic observation plan to see an example.
Media Review Plans
- Types of documents and audio-visual materials you will access
- When these will be reviewed and how deeply
- How involved these observations will be in participants’ lives
Recruiting Participants
In some way, your research will involve recruiting participants. Develop a plan and materials for how you will get the word out about your research. Develop consistent language you will use to promote the research to recruit participants. All of these promotional recruiting materials must be included in the IRB application.
Promotional Recruiting Materials
- Flyers
- Facebook posts
- e-mails
- Social Media
- Radio
- Bathroom signs
Incentives
Your research may include giving incentives like gift cards or cash (not typical)
Permissions
If materials will be placed on private property or in a potentially sensitive location, ensure you have permission now. Ensure you have permission to operate research on private property if this is in your plan.
Participant Consent, Information, and Security
Create all documents for informing participants and safeguarding their security. These documents will be used to inform participants about their responsibilities and rights when they are part of the research.
Information Sheet
A sheet that informs participants about the study, their role in it, and anticipated ramifications of their participation.
Boilerplate Starter: Informed Consent – Participant Information Sheet
Participant Consent Form
A form completed by participants that affirms their participation in the research and acceptance of any risks.
Each time you have someone sign one of these forms, take a copy for yourself and leave a copy with the participant for their reference.
Secure Information Plan
Create a plan for how you will safeguard participant information once it has been collected.