The most common misconception about design research is that you are asking users what the design should be. You aren't (or shouldn't be). Instead, the best design research I've been involved in is about finding data on three things:
1. Unmet needs. Usually unspoken and unrealized. Yes, people would have asked for a faster horse, but what is the need there? To travel longer distances quicker. The automobile was the solution to that need. 2. Pain points. Where is what is being done now difficult? 3. Opportunities. Where is there a space for a product or service that would meet those unmet needs or fix the pain points? Then it is our job to design the solution. This is what we are paid to do. :) Now, obviously, if a research subject comes up with a good solution, by all means steal it! Dan ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
