Research Methods: Speed Dating Reflection
Today, our design class met to discuss our finding on our research methods and “speed-dated” our individual methods to find similarities, disparities, and how two or more research methods could be used together in the timespan of a project.
I found it fascinating that the research methods I learned about all had a similarity to the one I chose, whether it be the purpose of using each method or where both methods fit into an entire design process. In our group project, we will likely have to research with multiple methods and so this activity helped me in getting acquainted with a few.
Here were my favorite rounds of the exercise and how they related to my own research method.
Speed Dating + Horizon Scanning
In what ways can these two methods work together? If not, explain why?
Horizon scanning is a great example of preliminary research that could be performed before ideation and speed dating a target audience. It could inform a design and research team about opportunities to design for in the future and how advances in technology could support their ideas.
Are there any prerequisites for their application together? (What would you need to know?)
In order to use both methods, you would need to do horizon scanning first, as it helps lay a general framework onto which ideation can occur. Then, based on this information, one could check if their assumptions were correct after speed dating these ideas to a research group.
Would you use these methods together, or either one, in your group project?
Since our research question has to do with dealing with future pandemics, a horizon scanning would absolutely be useful during the research phase to frame our research question in distinct characteristics of a projected future.
Speed Dating + Kano Analysis
In what ways can these two methods work together? If not, explain why?
A Kano analysis uses surveys to determine what features of a potential solution are must-haves, performance qualities, and nice to haves. This could be used shortly after speed-dating to reconsider user needs and desired features.
Are there any prerequisites for their application together? (What would you need to know?)
Kano analyses take user feedback; therefore, they are best performed after gathering user survey data about potential features, which is perfect after speed-dating that results in data.
Would you use these methods together, or either one, in your group project?
It would depend on what the final goal of the group project is, and if specifics of a product / service solution would be needed. A Kano analysis may have limited use for a theoretical or overview concept.
Speed Dating + A/B Testing
In what ways can these two methods work together? If not, explain why?
A/B testing would be used on a finished or almost-finished product/service that speed-dating ideas would have influenced. However, A/B testing would not be used before speed-dating as one is intended for early ideation while the other is for late refinement.
Are there any prerequisites for their application together? (What would you need to know?)
A/B testing must come after speed dating. They have a similar concept but are used at vastly different stages of a product.
Would you use these methods together, or either one, in your group project?
At this point, I do not know what the final project entails, but we likely will not be refining details of a design solution, so A/B testing would not be useful.
