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The power of outsourcing your design research
Design research allows us to uncover the insights and opportunities that guide our product development process. We observe people in the context of use for our project.
With the aim to build an understanding of the research area through observing, interacting, prototyping, and testing. Design research builds the foundation for product development that truly meets the needs of the user. If done well, it results in products with optimum usability and user satisfaction.
Types of design research
Descriptive
Descriptive research is a theory-based model where the only goal is to describe the situation you are researching.
Experimental
Experimental research aims to establish a relationship between the cause and effect of a situation. It involves manipulation of the independent variables and monitoring the effect it has on the dependent variables.
Correlational
Correlational research examines relationships between two or more variables without any intervention from the researcher.
Diagnostic
Diagnostic: Diagnostic design research has the goal of understanding the underlying cause. It helps in uncovering insights into the factors that are causing undesirable outcomes.
Explanatory
Explanatory research involves further exploration of ideas/thoughts by the subject prompted by your own insights
Case Study
Case study involves creating a detailed study of a specific subject, could be a place, a company, an event etc. in order to gain a holistic understanding of the subject.
Ethnography
An ethnography study is about looking at the culture of a specific community. The goal here is to gain an understanding of beliefs, way of life, social dynamics, dietary habits etc.
Research Planning
When setting out to perform a research study effective planning is vital. Without a well thought out strategy, your research methods may not match your objectives and your analysis methods may not align with your collection methods. This misalignment can result in questions going unanswered and data that’s not relevant. To mitigate this, we carefully consider our research goals and approach before doing anything.
At FLYNN we can effectively plan a research study to acquire all the information we need. We have a go to range of both quantitative and qualitative approaches to design research that we deploy on a regular basis. Carefully considering the optimal research method and sampling approach to suit the unique requirements of each project.
Ethics
Ethical considerations play a fundamental role in design research. They function as safeguards, ensuring the rights of research participants are protected, improving the validity of research, and maintaining research integrity. In all our research projects we take time to ensure our ethical standards are upheld. We make sure that participants can opt in and out of the study at any time and that no harm comes to participants during the research process.
Additionally, we take the time to ensure participants are made aware of all relevant information, allowing them to make informed decisions about their participation in the study..
Data
In our data collection and analysis process, we leverage a diverse range of methods tailored to specific project requirements. Drawing on our industry expertise, we select the most suitable approaches to gather essential information. When exploring opinions, behaviours, and experiences, we employ survey methods like interviews and questionnaires.
For data not reliant on self-reporting, we utilise observation methods such as participant observation, case study, and systematic observation. Tailoring our analysis approach to our data collection methods, we delve into the data meticulously, deciphering meaning, identifying patterns, and extracting insights pertinent to your study. These insights are then transformed into design opportunities seamlessly integrated into your product.
FAQ
What is design research in product development?
Design research in product development is the process of understanding people, behaviours, environments, and market contexts to make better product decisions. At Flynn, design research is used to understand the real world insights that shape products into something useful, meaningful, and commercially relevant.
The process can involve interviews, observational studies, usability testing, workshops, surveys, and behavioural analysis depending on the goals of the project.
Why is design research important before developing a product?
Design research is important because it helps create clarity before significant decisions are made.
On most occasions, products are developed around what a business thinks people need, rather than what users actually need. Research helps close that gap. It reveals behaviours, frustrations, motivations, and unmet needs that may not be obvious from inside the business alone.
Importantly, design research reduces risk. It helps ensure time, investment, and development effort are directed toward solving the right problem in the right way.
At Flynn, design research is an integrated part of design, as it directly connects with strategy, design thinking, and product development from the outset.
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative design research?
Qualitative and quantitative research serve different purposes within the design process, and both can play an important role in shaping better product decisions.
Qualitative research is focused on understanding people their behaviours, motivations, and experiences. Methods such as interviews, observational studies, workshops, and usability testing are commonly used to reveal the human side of a problem and identify opportunities for innovation.
Quantitative research, on the other hand, is used to measure patterns at scale. It focuses on data, trends, and measurable behaviours. Surveys, analytics, and larger scale testing are typical quantitative methods.
How does design research reduce the risk of product failure?
Design research reduces the risk of product failure by helping businesses make decisions based on evidence rather than assumption.
Research brings clarity early in the process. It helps to know what users actually need, how they behave, and how are they influenced in making decisions.
It also helps identify risks that may not be visible internally, whether that’s usability challenges, market misalignment, workflow issues, or gaps in the competitive landscape.
At Flynn, design research is used to reduce uncertainty and build stronger foundations for product development, and that reduces the risk of product failure.
When in the product development process should design research happen?
The design research should happen throughout, not just at the beginning.
Most people assume design research is a one time exercise before development starts. Generally, the most valuable research happens at three key points.
At the beginning, it makes sure you are solving the right problem for the right people. During development, it validates that the direction you are heading in is correct before too much is invested. Before launch, it confirms the final product works the way it was intended to for real users in real environments.
“we believe in pushing boundaries and disrupting markets with our skillset”
Tom Brew - Product Designer
