Using research in the design process is something that, in the past, have had a hard time implementing as a student. Most of our projects are placed in context of a metaphorical world where companies come to us to design these huge, brand changing styles that would normally never happen in the real world. Because of this there is more emphasis on the learning process of going about designing- sketching, getting approval, design drafting, getting approval, and giving final drafts. We do some research for these projects but it is rarely the center of the majority of projects. This semester I am taking two class where doing research and gathering data are the most important part of the class and at times it can a little bit jarring.
This article talks about how important it is as designers to create a relationship with clients and one of the best ways of doing that is through deep research and data collection. I agree that it is one of the most important parts of the design process and connecting with clients. I need to begin putting more work and time into doing research for projects, even if it is not necessary for completion of the project, just to get some practice in on that front.
Source:
A Designers Research Manual by Visocky O'grady