Federico Del Giorgio Solfa ....Federico If I was to chose a method for design research I chose the IDEO models. The IDEO studio arrived in the US in mid 1970’s. They developed a model to promote innovation. To be clear, what they accomplished was to away to maintain the health of the environment that had potential to imagine and innovate.

The studio was a mix of people form many cultures and professions.

The goal was understanding people to increase success of their design ideas. Because people change ideas, desires and needs our ideas for design should follow. .

Decades later “design theory” arrived and described model(s) for innovation. And today, two decades later we more models of innovation. If you follow current research AI is the holy grail for innovation.

However, the common feature of these models is expecting people to follow the model. That sameness of thinking and working and imagining is the anti-thesis of creativity and innovation. An environment that promotes the possibility of innovation is distinctly different than the model that says this is the way to create innovation.

My suggestions; work with children from 2 to 5 years old. Before our ideas of modern education get them behaving and thinking the same. Visit and work in art schools. In particular the intro courses in drawing and design. Visit with the physically and developmentally disabled. Watch how they live and engage with all the things we take for granted.

In my experience design concepts talks about design. Design, the human spirit that creates and innovates lives elsewhere. Finding that environment, helping it flourish might get you closer to the essence of innovation.

Research Typologies in Industrial Design

Research in the field of industrial design often employs a variety of typologies to explore and solve design problems. The most frequent typologies include:

1. Descriptive Research: This typology is used to describe characteristics of a phenomenon or a group of users. It often involves case studies, observational studies, and surveys.

2. Experimental Research: This involves manipulating one variable to determine if changes in one variable cause changes in another. This is often used in usability testing and product performance evaluations.

3. Exploratory Research: This typology is used to explore new areas where little is known. It involves methods like literature reviews, interviews, and brainstorming sessions to generate new ideas and insights.

4. Applied Research: This is focused on solving practical problems and improving processes. It often involves prototyping, testing, and iterating on designs.

5. User-Centered Design Research: This focuses on understanding the needs, behaviors, and experiences of users. Methods include user interviews, ethnographic studies, and usability testing.

Configuration of Industrial Design Research Designs

Industrial design research designs are generally configured to address specific questions or problems through a structured approach. Here are the common configurations:

1. Case Study: An in-depth investigation of a single instance or example of a product or design process. It provides detailed insights and can be qualitative or quantitative.

2. Surveys and Questionnaires: Used to gather data from a large number of respondents. This method is useful for collecting information on user preferences, behaviors, and demographics.

3. Ethnographic Studies: Involves immersive observation and interaction with users in their natural environment. This method helps in understanding the context of use and user behaviors deeply.

4. Prototyping: Creating and testing physical or digital models of a design. This iterative process helps in refining and validating design concepts.

5. Usability Testing: Involves observing users as they interact with a product to identify usability issues and areas for improvement.

6. Interviews and Focus Groups: Direct interaction with users or stakeholders to gather detailed feedback and insights. This method is valuable for understanding user needs and preferences.

Common Methodologies in Industrial Design Research

The methodologies used in industrial design research are diverse and often interdisciplinary. Here are some frequently used methodologies:

1. Qualitative Methods:

- Interviews: Conducting structured, semi-structured, or unstructured interviews with users or experts.

- Focus Groups: Group discussions to gather diverse perspectives on a design or concept.

- Observation: Watching users interact with products in real-life settings to identify usability issues and behaviors.

- Ethnography: Immersive research to understand the cultural and social context of product use.

2. Quantitative Methods:

- Surveys: Distributing questionnaires to gather numerical data on user preferences, behaviors, and demographics.

- Experiments: Conducting controlled studies to test hypotheses and measure the effects of variables on design outcomes.

- Statistical Analysis: Analyzing numerical data to identify patterns, correlations, and trends.

3. Mixed Methods:

- Combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to leverage the strengths of both. For example, using surveys to collect broad data and interviews to explore specific issues in-depth.

4. Participatory Design:

- Involving users and stakeholders directly in the design process to ensure the product meets their needs and expectations.

5. Design Thinking:

- A human-centered approach that involves empathizing with users, defining problems, ideating solutions, prototyping, and testing.

Conclusion

Industrial design research employs a range of typologies, configurations, and methodologies to address design challenges and improve user experiences. Common typologies include descriptive, experimental, exploratory, applied, and user-centered design research. Research designs often involve case studies, surveys, ethnographic studies, prototyping, and usability testing. Methodologies range from qualitative methods like interviews and ethnography to quantitative methods like surveys and experiments, with mixed methods and participatory design also playing significant roles.