Class: Design Research II
Timeline: November 2021
Project: Design Research
Software: Illustrator, InDesign
Description
For this project, the objective was to curate a generative research plan, comprehensive enough that it might one day be executed by a team of designers.
This project provided me with the opportunity to gain a more thorough understanding of co-design research and related processes. My study focused on investigating college students' ideal night of sleep in order for them to optimize their sleep experience. Again, this is not to be interpreted as documentation of a completed study, rather an outline meant to detail precisely how such a study might be executed.
By the conclusion of this project, I had gained a breadth of understanding of both co-design and the generative research process, especially with regard to preparation and execution.
Process
When curating a research plan, it is important to first determine precisely what information your final plan should and will include. For this, I referenced the textbook by my esteemed professor, Elizabeth B. Sanders, entitled Convivial Toolbox: Generative Research for the Front End of Design.
The best research plans are the most comprehensive. I determined that my plan would include an introduction; anticipated goals and objectives; focus and scope; stakeholders; secondary research; procedure for recruiting; explanations of and instructions for the execution of various methods; a timeline of all events; a visual activity flow; potential assets; anticipated deliverables; as well as a reflection and works cited.
I prioritized each of the aforementioned components, first drafting a written explanation of my methods as they pertained to the topic at large, and then instructions for optimal execution. From here, the plan quickly took shape. I organized my information as I worked, formatting components into a comprehensive document for reference.
Reflection
Throughout this process, I have been introduced to a wholly new approach to design research. Like so many other young adults, I grew up believing research to be a grueling and tedious process. It was strictly about uncovering facts and there was little, if any room for enjoyment.
Generative research, however, opened my eyes to the joys of this area of study. The very best research is so much more than the insights it produces. It is about the process, and it is about our interactions with individuals who ultimately shape our solutions. While it was challenging to formulate a plan with the knowledge that it may never be executed, I enjoyed envisioning just how such a plan might take shape, and the wonderful interactions that could come of it. So while research can be tedious and even more than a bit daunting, with the correct approach, it will always be rewarding.