A Designer's Research Manual: Succeed in Design by Knowing Your Clients And What They Really Need

by Ken Visocky O'Grady

Doing research can make all the difference between a great design and a good design. Most experienced designers would quantify this "legwork" with the term research. By engaging in competitive intelligence, customer profiling, color and trend forecasting, etc., designers are able to bring something to the table that reflects a commercial value for the client beyond a well-crafted logo or brochure. Although scientific and analytical in nature, research is the basis of all good design work. This book provides a comprehensive manual for designers on what design research is, why it is necessary, how to do research, and how to apply it to design work. As designers embrace research methodologies, they share a common vernacular with their clients, and establish respect as idea people. In an increasingly crowded marketplace, embracing research practices will ensure a continued viable role for designers in business. No other books address this issue for student and professional graphic designers. Books on how to do research are usually aimed at writers, business marketers, and scientists. The ability to execute effective research methods is as important to a career in graphic design as the ability to build a grid or layout a page. Understanding the needs of the client and the client's market are essential components of creating value.

Genres: Design, Business, Research, Reference, Art Design, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Berta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is very theoretical, but good to start

[Yokusun Basi]

A Designer's Research Manual: Succeed in Design by Knowing Your Clients and What They Really Need (Design Field Guide) by Jennifer Visocky O'Grady (2009)

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visocky O'Grady fills a void in the design literature with this manual. While there are many things I wished this book had covered, It is definitely deserves a careful read by anyone in design. There were some n oticeable omissions, such as direct client interviews and survey design. I would have given it 5 stars if they had had a co-author who is a professional researcher to provide some additional structure to the tool selection and methodology. Some idea of how to partner with and hire research firms would also have been helpful to the intended audience of design professionals. Case studies are a bit eclectic, bibliography could be more complete. Still, these are minor complaints- the book is very valuable.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great reference for any designer deciding what types of research would work best for their projects. It also is a good reference for determining where to inject research and review in the the design process.

While I have used many of these tools in the design process, it made me think about a few I haven't used before. It also addresses the bias factor in gathering and filtering research.

[Alix · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very approachable read, nicely designed, and a nice balance of visuals that explain the text. unfortunately it didn't provide enough detail for me. Survey design and evaluation of results were not covered. A nice overall view of design research, but not an ideal book if you're looking for thorough details.

[bitchrepublic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for anyone doing Design Research!

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A overview of research for design, practical applications and case studies aimed at the graphic community but informative for all areas of design

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book features in my blog post about essay resources: https://hazelstainer.wordpress.com/20...

[Lizbeth Elejalde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro de investigación como cualquier otro pero lleno de dibujitos y colores para que le llame la atención a los Diseñadores