To me, design research is more than just a profession; it’s a calling that intertwines curiosity, empathy, and creativity. It’s about delving into the unknown and uncovering insights that drive meaningful innovation. Much like a chef who finds joy in the physical and demanding process of creating a perfect dish, I find exhilaration in the rigorous design research process.
The Physical and Mental Demand of Design Research
Good design research is physically and mentally demanding. It requires a kind of conditioning because of the long hours, exhaustive fieldwork, and sometimes tedious analysis. This field attracts those passionate about understanding human experiences and willing to endure the challenges it brings. The reward, however, is an exhilarating journey of discovery.
Creating a Research Project with Purpose
There is a real advantage in creating a research project that extends beyond the individual researcher. When research is designed to highlight something bigger—such as the human experience—it transcends personal and corporate agendas. It becomes a powerful tool to understand and address real human needs.
The Ethnographic Study: A Journey into the Unknown
Planning for an ethnographic study is like embarking on an adventure that focuses entirely on the users. Everything points to understanding their experiences, needs, and desires. This approach excites me, because it involves uncovering the unknown for myself and the stakeholders. It’s about discovering what has always been there but never fully understood.
The "Aha!" Moment
In design research, I seek those “Aha!” moments—those instances of clarity that reveal what has been missing. These moments are pivotal as they guide us to create products and services that truly make a difference. My goal is to gather information and uncover deep insights that lead to meaningful innovation.
Restless Curiosity and Responsibility
I have a restless mind and an insatiable curiosity. I constantly ask myself, “What is this? What am I seeing? How can I make this better?” This mindset drives me to explore our responsibilities towards our neighbors and future generations. It starts with solid, foundational research that leads to great products and services, ultimately improving the world around us.
Beyond Data Collection: Storytelling and Impact
My aim is to produce research that changes perspectives and challenges assumptions. It’s about telling compelling stories based on what I have seen and experienced. Great research should lead to market-changing products and services, alleviating pressures on users and helping them achieve their goals.
The Challenge of Short-Term Mindsets
Many companies operate with short-term mindsets, creating products without truly understanding their customers. This approach often leads to a cycle of mediocre products. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a shift in perspective—from financial strategies to genuine user-centered design. However, there is still a tendency to shortcut research, which undermines its potential impact.
Evangelizing Design Research
I am an evangelist for design research. I believe that pursuing market-changing products is inherently tied to conducting high-quality research. Great design researchers are crucial for this endeavor. Purpose-driven work requires systematic change in how design research is valued and integrated within organizations.
The Systematic Approach
Design research must be systematic and productive. It requires organizational support and trust. Design researchers need to be involved in strategic decisions. This holistic approach ensures that research leads to real, impactful outcomes.
Continuous Improvement and Symbiotic Relationships
Like a sustainable farm, where every element supports and enhances the other, design research should be symbiotic. By continually improving our research practices, we contribute to our projects’ overall health and success. This approach fosters better insights, better products, and, ultimately, a better world.
Why This Work Matters
In conclusion, design research involves discovery, purpose, and impact. It’s about more than just gathering data; it’s about understanding and improving human experiences. We can create products and services that truly make a difference by valuing and supporting comprehensive design research. This is my passion, and this is why I am dedicated to the field of design research.
Let’s embark on this journey together, striving for excellence and meaningful innovation in every project we undertake.
