C2 Conduct effective research
During my BA course throughout every project I was always expected to conduct research into artists and theories that either inspired or related to my work and concepts. For this reason I have graded this section of the audit as a 2.
My researching skills I would say are reasonably good and the main source that I rely on is the good old Internet. Perhaps some would argue this is major cop out thus it undeniably is a reliable, fast, and vast platform. Although, I am unwilling admitting that I do rely hugely on the World Wide Web I feel that a book is also a very useful source that aids effective research. Google books are also very useful when the Library does not stock the book you need! In conclusion, what I would like to do during my time on this course is to familiarise myself more with books, online journals and also video tutorials in a bid to widen my knowledge in the subject of Design and Technology so that it can prepare me to teach. To add, I think experimentation and exploring different techniques can also be strong forms of effective research and I will most defiantly be practicing this.
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INITIAL understanding of the term EFFECTIVE RESEARCH...
In reference to Design and Technology I would say that it is really important to conduct effective research because it shapes your design and aids your overall development. Generally speaking, I know that to be able to conduct effective research within this D&T you are not just seeking inspiration in books or on the internet or searching for a way to complete a certain process by reading a book or watching a tutorial on YouTube. I would say that there is much more to this and you have to think a lot deeper and outside the box. At this stage, although I have some kind of idea as to the types of research that you would undergo and conduct within a project I’m still not absolutely clear because I have only looked for inspiration and theories relating to my own work when researching.
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What I have learnt and what I understand now
Bhav mentioned in one of our taught sessions that even the simplest of design involves research and that a product is successful because the designer/s have conducted the right researching targeting particular areas.
When Bhav mentioned the term ‘particular areas’ I was not really too sure as to what she actually meant by this, so I asked her to give me some examples. Once these examples were made clear I then began to think of others. I learnt that these particular areas of effective research could be;
By learning these points it has helped me to understand the term of ‘conduct effective research’ so much more, especially when referring it to D&T.
So for instance– At this stage I would say that a good example of conducting effective research would be; discovering cheap wood suppliers on the internet or asking people, or finding out the average height, size and shapes of chairs.
Now that we have started our modules for SKD02 (Design and Make) and SKD04 (Systems and Control) I have been able to engage conduct effect research and because of this I have learnt a fair amount.
For SKDO2 – To start with I have mainly been looking for inspiration, looking at ideas similar to mine or existing products and gaps in the market. This was to see if my product could be as innovative as possible. I learnt that when searching for inspiration the best source for me was to use the Internet or use magazines/catalogues that show products, which are similar to the product I was initially proposing to design.
However, I think the sources you use will depend on what you are designing as catalogues/magazines may not always be appropriate – I learnt this once I began my research for the SKD04 module in electronics – The product I was designing was a lot different to the products that are in the market however, that is not to say I could not find inspiration, its just the examples I saw during my research were a little more complex and beyond my knowledge within the subject area of systems and control.
Later down the line within the SKDO2 unit once I had looked for inspiration I found that I then began to think more about the environment in which the product will be placed and then actually modelling the design. I discovered that these two factors alone were extremely crucial to the progression of my design. As a result I have learnt that these will always be prominent within any project that I do in the future.
Below are some examples of me modelling my work and taking pictures of the environment in which the piece will be placed for SKD02 and SKD04.
My researching skills I would say are reasonably good and the main source that I rely on is the good old Internet. Perhaps some would argue this is major cop out thus it undeniably is a reliable, fast, and vast platform. Although, I am unwilling admitting that I do rely hugely on the World Wide Web I feel that a book is also a very useful source that aids effective research. Google books are also very useful when the Library does not stock the book you need! In conclusion, what I would like to do during my time on this course is to familiarise myself more with books, online journals and also video tutorials in a bid to widen my knowledge in the subject of Design and Technology so that it can prepare me to teach. To add, I think experimentation and exploring different techniques can also be strong forms of effective research and I will most defiantly be practicing this.
___________________________________________________
INITIAL understanding of the term EFFECTIVE RESEARCH...
In reference to Design and Technology I would say that it is really important to conduct effective research because it shapes your design and aids your overall development. Generally speaking, I know that to be able to conduct effective research within this D&T you are not just seeking inspiration in books or on the internet or searching for a way to complete a certain process by reading a book or watching a tutorial on YouTube. I would say that there is much more to this and you have to think a lot deeper and outside the box. At this stage, although I have some kind of idea as to the types of research that you would undergo and conduct within a project I’m still not absolutely clear because I have only looked for inspiration and theories relating to my own work when researching.
___________________________________________________
_
What I have learnt and what I understand now
Bhav mentioned in one of our taught sessions that even the simplest of design involves research and that a product is successful because the designer/s have conducted the right researching targeting particular areas.
When Bhav mentioned the term ‘particular areas’ I was not really too sure as to what she actually meant by this, so I asked her to give me some examples. Once these examples were made clear I then began to think of others. I learnt that these particular areas of effective research could be;
- Conducting research about the products function and purpose
- Modelling
- Ergonomics
- Researching the target audience – e.g the average height
- Finding out competitors, existing products, and evaluating them so you can find a gaps in the market
- The environment in which the product will be
- Materials and Costs
By learning these points it has helped me to understand the term of ‘conduct effective research’ so much more, especially when referring it to D&T.
So for instance– At this stage I would say that a good example of conducting effective research would be; discovering cheap wood suppliers on the internet or asking people, or finding out the average height, size and shapes of chairs.
Now that we have started our modules for SKD02 (Design and Make) and SKD04 (Systems and Control) I have been able to engage conduct effect research and because of this I have learnt a fair amount.
For SKDO2 – To start with I have mainly been looking for inspiration, looking at ideas similar to mine or existing products and gaps in the market. This was to see if my product could be as innovative as possible. I learnt that when searching for inspiration the best source for me was to use the Internet or use magazines/catalogues that show products, which are similar to the product I was initially proposing to design.
However, I think the sources you use will depend on what you are designing as catalogues/magazines may not always be appropriate – I learnt this once I began my research for the SKD04 module in electronics – The product I was designing was a lot different to the products that are in the market however, that is not to say I could not find inspiration, its just the examples I saw during my research were a little more complex and beyond my knowledge within the subject area of systems and control.
Later down the line within the SKDO2 unit once I had looked for inspiration I found that I then began to think more about the environment in which the product will be placed and then actually modelling the design. I discovered that these two factors alone were extremely crucial to the progression of my design. As a result I have learnt that these will always be prominent within any project that I do in the future.
- Taking pictures of the environment where the product will be placed made me think more about shapes, colours and the materials I did not want the piece to stand out. The most important factors that I took from this bit of research, was the materials and colours. In my room, there are is quite a lot of wooden furniture, therefore I wanted to insure that the my product was not going to clash with the existing assets in my room. I had to think about things like the type of finish I would use on the wood, the type of wood itself and also the colour scheme that I wanted.
- With modelling initially I didn’t really look at this as a form of research however I learnt early on that I was wrong and it was just a vital part that aided my works development.Testing and modelling my design was an important part of the research process because what I learnt is that it helped me to investigate more into the form, shape, and how the product actually works. It helped me to see the product in a 3D form and also enabled me to work out any possible floors in the design and challenges that I may face when actually fabricating the product. As a result of modelling I found that it helped me to identify any problems and fix with adjusting the design itself.
Below are some examples of me modelling my work and taking pictures of the environment in which the piece will be placed for SKD02 and SKD04.
Finally, for both modules I found that the best way for me to conduct effective research was to do it first hand. Going out and looking in your local area can really helped me progress and I learnt loads from doing this.
I found cheap suppliers - for plastic (check out the link) http://www.cylex-uk.co.uk/company/plastic-merchants-ltd-13906381.html and also I managed to get inspiration for my systems and control project in a sweet shop! I was so stuck on ideas and it just so happened that I went into cybercandy to buy a present for someone and I stumbled across a sweet tin (example below) and from there on I had a number initial ideas ! http://www.cybercandy.co.uk/
I found cheap suppliers - for plastic (check out the link) http://www.cylex-uk.co.uk/company/plastic-merchants-ltd-13906381.html and also I managed to get inspiration for my systems and control project in a sweet shop! I was so stuck on ideas and it just so happened that I went into cybercandy to buy a present for someone and I stumbled across a sweet tin (example below) and from there on I had a number initial ideas ! http://www.cybercandy.co.uk/
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Analysis of gained knowledge and the next step
Initially I marked this section of the audit as a '3' meaning basic knowledge. To be fair I think that this was a fair grade but I most certainly learnt a lot more whilst exploring the content further. Conducting effective research in a D&T perspective is a much wider area then I primarily envisaged. However, I have completed some successful tasks in order to gain more and new knowledge.
The most successful parts of me exploring this area was modelling my ideas not only did I gain knowledge in modeling as a secondary skill but I also grasped an understanding of the importance of modelling as a form of research. It really altered my overall perceptions of how the product was going to be fabricated and also helped me to adjust any floors in the design. So for something that I have never even considered as a source of research it most certainly will be something I will be doing throughout the course and during my career with the students I teach.
Although, I have mentioned that I was using the internet as a source to aid my inspiration and to look at existing products and gaps within the market I would say that during my systems and control project the internet was not a very good source which inspired me. Therefore, I would say that this would be an example where my researching skills were unsuccessful. As a result I would like to develop my research skills further by going out to local businesses and looking at products in real form rather then as a image. I was most successful in my research when I actually went out in to town, as this gave birth to one idea for systems and control and I also discovered a cheap plastics merchant which is something that I can use in the future.
To conclude this analysis, I know now that research is always going to be an ongoing process within any design. It also is an essential part of the process and helps to solve problems. In the next few stages of the course I want to be able to develop further my knowledge of being able to conduct effective research and look into the 'particular areas' mentioned above in more detail. For example, I think that merely experimenting with materials not only is a form of effective research but also it will help me to understand more about the properties of the material and how I can work with it, if successful I am then able to get the end results that I want. Merely exploring and practicing processes and techniques is going to help me develop so much not only in researching but also in the different areas of the audit.
I also think that conducting primary research for example devising questionnaires and market research is a vital source and will help me develop my proposed product. The bottom line is, any product has a target market consequently the audience is such an important element to consider asking the right questions is going to help with creating the right product/design. Therefore, I want to be able to develop my skills in this area.
Analysis of gained knowledge and the next step
Initially I marked this section of the audit as a '3' meaning basic knowledge. To be fair I think that this was a fair grade but I most certainly learnt a lot more whilst exploring the content further. Conducting effective research in a D&T perspective is a much wider area then I primarily envisaged. However, I have completed some successful tasks in order to gain more and new knowledge.
The most successful parts of me exploring this area was modelling my ideas not only did I gain knowledge in modeling as a secondary skill but I also grasped an understanding of the importance of modelling as a form of research. It really altered my overall perceptions of how the product was going to be fabricated and also helped me to adjust any floors in the design. So for something that I have never even considered as a source of research it most certainly will be something I will be doing throughout the course and during my career with the students I teach.
Although, I have mentioned that I was using the internet as a source to aid my inspiration and to look at existing products and gaps within the market I would say that during my systems and control project the internet was not a very good source which inspired me. Therefore, I would say that this would be an example where my researching skills were unsuccessful. As a result I would like to develop my research skills further by going out to local businesses and looking at products in real form rather then as a image. I was most successful in my research when I actually went out in to town, as this gave birth to one idea for systems and control and I also discovered a cheap plastics merchant which is something that I can use in the future.
To conclude this analysis, I know now that research is always going to be an ongoing process within any design. It also is an essential part of the process and helps to solve problems. In the next few stages of the course I want to be able to develop further my knowledge of being able to conduct effective research and look into the 'particular areas' mentioned above in more detail. For example, I think that merely experimenting with materials not only is a form of effective research but also it will help me to understand more about the properties of the material and how I can work with it, if successful I am then able to get the end results that I want. Merely exploring and practicing processes and techniques is going to help me develop so much not only in researching but also in the different areas of the audit.
I also think that conducting primary research for example devising questionnaires and market research is a vital source and will help me develop my proposed product. The bottom line is, any product has a target market consequently the audience is such an important element to consider asking the right questions is going to help with creating the right product/design. Therefore, I want to be able to develop my skills in this area.
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Further development within this area
For my Design innovation module I have found that I have
conducted so much more research in comparison to my previous unit (Design and
Make). Hopefully this is because I have learnt a great deal more about the
importance of conducting effective research?
What I have learnt is that obviously research is always going to be a key part of designing but also that there are certain aspects and methods of conducting research that can ultimately help you so much within the design process. For example, for my Design innovation project which was the set brief I wanted to gain more understanding of the brief and what was expected of me as a designer. So I decided to send an email someone directly from the competition. From their reply it pointed me in so many new directions in terms of developing my design and researching other areas to essentially make my product better. I think that this would be a really good example of effective research and it has certainly helped me to generate further ides and understand what areas of research are appropriate depending on what type of product you are designing are important as well. Here is a link to my online portfolio showing the email, the reply and my analysis of it.
http://benjenkinsdesigninnovation.weebly.com/primary-research.html
In addition, for me personally I found that when I conducted a Product Analysis, it was also a helpful source that lead me onto developing further research later down the line. It really got me thinking about how these aspects such as manufacturing or dis assembly were relevant to my product and how existing products dealt with this issues and approached them in various ways.
What I have learnt is that obviously research is always going to be a key part of designing but also that there are certain aspects and methods of conducting research that can ultimately help you so much within the design process. For example, for my Design innovation project which was the set brief I wanted to gain more understanding of the brief and what was expected of me as a designer. So I decided to send an email someone directly from the competition. From their reply it pointed me in so many new directions in terms of developing my design and researching other areas to essentially make my product better. I think that this would be a really good example of effective research and it has certainly helped me to generate further ides and understand what areas of research are appropriate depending on what type of product you are designing are important as well. Here is a link to my online portfolio showing the email, the reply and my analysis of it.
http://benjenkinsdesigninnovation.weebly.com/primary-research.html
In addition, for me personally I found that when I conducted a Product Analysis, it was also a helpful source that lead me onto developing further research later down the line. It really got me thinking about how these aspects such as manufacturing or dis assembly were relevant to my product and how existing products dealt with this issues and approached them in various ways.