IMPLEMENTING DESIGN RESEARCH 1.0 — DESIGN METHODS

When implementing the design process throughout the year, we had to learn about a dozen different tools and methods. Each method had its own objective, way of implementation, and type of engagement. For each phase of the process, a set of different methods can be used.

With my need to structure and organize everything, I learned about two interesting models this year. These models helped me select design methods more effectively, cluster them, and be more aware of their objectives.

1. Universal Methods of Design

In the book Universal Methods of Design: 100 Ways to Research Complex Problems, Develop Innovative Ideas, and Design Effective Solutions the authors presented an info-graphic on the bottom left of each page where it characterizes the methods and techniques using several useful research facets.

• The behavioral/attitudinal facet suggests the type of content most appropriately targeted by the method.
• Quantitative/qualitative characterizes the form in which that content is typically collected and communicated.
• Innovative/adapted/ traditional describes whether the method is original to design, adapted from other disciplines, or used traditionally across disciplines.
• Exploratory/generative/evaluative frames the methods by their primary purpose of early exploration, concept generation, or testing and evaluation.
• Participatory/observational/self-reporting/expert review/design process describes the typical roles of the researcher and participant, with design process methods being those conducted by design teams as an integral part of an overall approach.

2. Design Research Methods Diagram

During this year, I also got a chance to attend a workshop “Design in the Social Sector” delivered by Sarah Fathallah. Sarah presented a diagram that provides a framework for thinking about the different types of methods and tools.

The diagram is formed on two main axes framing the engagement of the participant in the methods:

• Telling/Showing
• Independent/Guided

From the two axes, we get four quadrants, each representing a type of methods:

1. Homework –– the participant is independently implementing the method (surveys, cultural probes, journals, etc.)
2. Discussions — the participant and the designer are both actively participating in the method (individual and group interviews)
3. Observations –– the designer is observing the activities of the participant from a distance (behavioral mapping, diagramming interactions, shadowing, etc.)
4. Activities –– the designer is guiding and facilitating an activity or a game while the participant is actively participating (card sorting, journey mapping, collage, etc.)

These two models helped me structure my toolkit and to be more aware when selecting what methods I need to use and match it with the objective at hand.