How do you approach design research and analysis for different types of projects and contexts?

1 Project types

The first thing to consider when planning your design research and analysis is the type of project you are working on. Is it a residential, commercial, institutional, or public project? Is it a new construction, renovation, or adaptive reuse? Is it a single building, a complex, or a master plan? Each project type has its own goals, challenges, and opportunities, and requires different levels of detail, scope, and involvement from your stakeholders. For example, a residential project may require more attention to the personal and emotional aspects of the users, while a public project may require more engagement with the community and the authorities.

2 Research methods

The next thing to consider is the research methods you will use to gather information and insights about your project. There are many types of research methods, such as interviews, surveys, observations, workshops, case studies, literature reviews, and benchmarking. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, and you should choose the ones that suit your project type, objectives, and resources. For example, interviews and surveys can help you collect qualitative data and feedback from your clients and users, while observations and workshops can help you understand their behaviors and needs in situ. Case studies and literature reviews can help you learn from best practices and precedents, while benchmarking can help you compare your project with similar ones in terms of performance and quality.

3 Analysis tools

The third thing to consider is the analysis tools you will use to synthesize and interpret your research data and findings. There are many types of analysis tools, such as diagrams, maps, matrices, models, scenarios, and simulations. Each tool has its own purpose and format, and you should choose the ones that help you communicate and visualize your design ideas and solutions. For example, diagrams and maps can help you identify and organize the key issues and relationships in your project, while matrices and models can help you evaluate and test different design options and alternatives. Scenarios and simulations can help you explore and predict the possible impacts and outcomes of your design decisions.

4 Context and culture

The fourth thing to consider is the context and culture of your project location. Context refers to the physical, environmental, social, and historical factors that influence your project site and surroundings. Culture refers to the values, beliefs, norms, and practices of the people who live and work in your project area. Both context and culture can affect your design research and analysis in terms of the data you collect, the methods you use, the tools you apply, and the solutions you propose. For example, context and culture can affect the availability and reliability of your data sources, the accessibility and appropriateness of your research participants, the relevance and validity of your analysis criteria, and the feasibility and acceptability of your design proposals.

5 Benefits of design research and analysis

When designing, it's important to consider the benefits of design research and analysis. This can help you define and clarify your design problem and objectives, understand and empathize with users and stakeholders, identify and prioritize requirements and constraints, generate and evaluate ideas, and communicate and justify decisions. Ultimately, design research and analysis can lead to improved design quality, efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, confidence, and credibility.

6 Tips for design research and analysis

When conducting design research and analysis, there are several tips to keep in mind. It is important to plan ahead and align the research and analysis with design phases and deliverables. Involving your design team and stakeholders in the process is also key. Utilizing a mix of research methods and analysis tools that address design questions and goals is essential. It is also important to be flexible when changes or uncertainties arise during the project. Lastly, it is important to document and share results and insights with the design team and stakeholders. By adhering to these tips, you can make your design research and analysis more productive, collaborative, and meaningful.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?