A graphic design project can be viewed as a series of choices; the more informed these choices are, the stronger the resolution can be. Looking at the various research methods available to the student, this title encourages the reader to interact and work with the demographic they are designing for.

Contents Introduction Chapter 1: The basics of research Why research? Getting started Primary, secondary and tertiary Key terminology Studio interview - Emily Hale Activity - Approaching research Chapter 2: Understanding context Audience and social contexts Design contexts Theoretical underpinning Studio interview - Andrew Hussey Activity - Convention Chapter 3: Planning your work The brief Audience Sources and credibility Recording and documenting Studio interview - Brian Rea Activity - Audience Chapter 4: Conducting research Audience research Market research Field-based research Process-based research Studio interview - Jane Trustram Activity - Product and customer Chapter 5: Using your findings Understanding your findings Responding to your findings Studio interview - Underware Activity - Classification Chapter 6: Presenting your findings Presenting research Completing the job Studio interview - Tanner Christensen Activity - Presenting statistics Conclusion Contacts Bibliography Index Acknowledgements Working with ethics

In a climate where a certain six letter word search engine is fast becoming the one-stop hit for every research need, this book shows a breadth of techniques, opportunities, methodologies and suggestions that will open up your creative thinking in a way that no algorithm ever could. You don't need to hit a search button, you don't need to feel lucky. You need to read this book. * Barrie Tullett, The Lincoln School of Art & Design, UK *Design Research is an easy to follow, clearly written, student friendly guide on how to conduct research for practical projects. Although academic in content, the fact that there are direct links to professional practice throughout, gives the book a 'real world' authority. The inclusion of case studies, interviews and supporting imagery purposefully link the relevance of the content to the practice of being a designer. Carefully building in complexity as the book progresses, the importance, practice, methods, and key terminology of research are introduced in a measured way, ensuring the reader is not overwhelmed - students who do not value research as part of the design process will not only be engaged throughout, but they will be in no doubt of its importance after reading this book. In fact, Design Research doesn't just take the reader through a step-by-step guide to the research process, it also highlights plenty of everyday good practice along the way. In writing this book, Leonard and Ambrose have gone a long way in validating to students what they are taught on a day-to-day basis in lecture theatres and workshops - Design Research should therefore be on any contextual studies reading list as a result. * Nigel Ball, Course Leader, School of Arts & Humanities, University Campus Suffolk, UK *A key part of the design process and often overlooked, a superb book dedicated to design research - An inspiring read! -- Kate Christman, Falmouth University, UKThe book Basic Design 02: layout,is easy to understand and lots of photos and illustrations to explain the text. Great resource. Each chapter is flawlessly comprehensive and the pictures, diagrams and photographs make this book a must for any designer who is looking to fully understand the essential skills required for making a good layout. As the basic design 01:format it is a very good book to use as supporting material for my classes. -- Celine Duijndam, Hogeschool Rotterdam, The Netherlands