research driven design

As the design world evolves, designers have started to take extra steps to be successful. The competitive nature of the global marketplace oftentimes demands a more in-depth design process. Clients want assurance that the work that designers produce will be beneficial for them from a business standpoint. So how can designers insure the most successful process and product? By integrating research and findings from the real world into their process.

Incorporating design methods into the design process ensures that designers are making informed decisions in their creative undertaking, rather than focusing solely on aesthetics. Typography, design principles, color theory, and other visual elements of design are important to the aesthetics, but research can strengthen the end product. Research can help forecast the success and usability of the final design. It has the potential to “define and audience, support a concept, advocate for an aesthetic, or measure the effectiveness of a campaign.” Collecting data and research will, in turn, support and inform the designers further decisions and process. Using research methods and tools can cause the design to be as effective as possible, reaching its targeted and intended audiences successfully.