1 - Design methods and processes - UCD - Investigative methods

Question 1

What are 7 PRIMARY investigative techniques?

Answer 1

• Market research questionnaires and surveys (about income, age, interests etc.)
• Interviewing potential users (to investigate needs and wants)
• Human factors, empathic research (where the designer esperiences the user’s limitations themself)
• Focus groups
• Product analysis (disassembly of existing products, practical testing of materials, components, methods etc.)
• Anthropometric data obtained from measuring existing products
• Ergonomics (by observing potential customers use a product)

Question 2

SECONDARY investigative techniques

Answer 2

Online or book research taken from a pre existing source

• Style influences of designers and design movements
• Identification of suitable materials, components and construction methods
• Relevant anthropometric data ranges suited to the target consumer