2. Identifying, Prioritizing, and Justifying Research Methods
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The Strategy of Research * **Chunk Text:** Identifying and prioritizing research methods ensures you aren't just collecting data, but solving a problem. * **Detailed Explanation:** In sustainable design, "feeling" like a material is eco-friendly isn't enough. You need methodology. This means picking a path (Identifying), deciding what to do first (Prioritizing), and explaining your logic (Justifying). * **Real-Life Example or Analogy:** It's like being a detective. You don't just talk to everyone in the city; you identify the best witnesses, prioritize the ones closest to the crime, and justify why their story is the most important one to hear.
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Chapter Content
Identifying and prioritizing research methods ensures you aren't just collecting data, but solving a problem.
* Detailed Explanation: In sustainable design, "feeling" like a material is eco-friendly isn't enough. You need methodology. This means picking a path (Identifying), deciding what to do first (Prioritizing), and explaining your logic (Justifying).
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: It's like being a detective. You don't just talk to everyone in the city; you identify the best witnesses, prioritize the ones closest to the crime, and justify why their story is the most important one to hear.
Detailed Explanation
In sustainable design, "feeling" like a material is eco-friendly isn't enough. You need methodology. This means picking a path (Identifying), deciding what to do first (Prioritizing), and explaining your logic (Justifying).
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: It's like being a detective. You don't just talk to everyone in the city; you identify the best witnesses, prioritize the ones closest to the crime, and justify why their story is the most important one to hear.
Examples & Analogies
It's like being a detective. You don't just talk to everyone in the city; you identify the best witnesses, prioritize the ones closest to the crime, and justify why their story is the most important one to hear.
Primary vs. Secondary Sources * **Chunk Text:** Primary research is first-hand; secondary research is second-hand. * **Detailed Explanation:** Primary data (like your own experiments) is highly specific but time-consuming. Secondary data (like a university study) is broad and fast but might not fit your exact packaging needs perfectly. * **Real-Life Example or Analogy:** Primary research is like cooking a meal from scratch. Secondary research is like ordering from a restaurant. One is perfectly tailored to your taste; the other is fast and reliable. --
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Chapter Content
Primary research is first-hand; secondary research is second-hand.
* Detailed Explanation: Primary data (like your own experiments) is highly specific but time-consuming. Secondary data (like a university study) is broad and fast but might not fit your exact packaging needs perfectly.
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: Primary research is like cooking a meal from scratch. Secondary research is like ordering from a restaurant. One is perfectly tailored to your taste; the other is fast and reliable.
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Detailed Explanation
Primary data (like your own experiments) is highly specific but time-consuming. Secondary data (like a university study) is broad and fast but might not fit your exact packaging needs perfectly.
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: Primary research is like cooking a meal from scratch. Secondary research is like ordering from a restaurant. One is perfectly tailored to your taste; the other is fast and reliable.
--
Examples & Analogies
Primary research is like cooking a meal from scratch. Secondary research is like ordering from a restaurant. One is perfectly tailored to your taste; the other is fast and reliable.
Key Concepts
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1. Identifying Research Methods
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Primary Research: Information gathered first-hand.
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Surveys/Interviews: To find out what the user actually wants.
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Experiments: Testing how a material (like mushroom packaging) reacts to moisture.
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Secondary Research: Information collected from existing sources.
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Literature Reviews: Reading scientific articles on biodegradable plastics.
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Case Studies: Analyzing how a brand like Patagonia or Lush handles packaging.
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2. Prioritizing Research Methods
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Not all research is worth the time. Designers must rank methods based on:
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Relevance: Does this directly answer my design problem?
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Feasibility: Do I have the time and budget to conduct 50 in-person interviews?
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Depth: Will this give me "surface-level" numbers or "deep" emotional insights?
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3. Justifying Research Methods
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Justification ensures that research is purposeful and not random. A strong justification includes:
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The "Why": "I chose a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify the carbon footprint of paper vs. plastic."
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The Context: "Since my target audience is local, a local survey is more relevant than a global industry report."
Examples & Applications
Example 1: Prioritizing an interview with a waste management expert to understand if bioplastics are actually composted in the local city.
Example 2: Identifying a literature review to determine the shelf-life requirements of snack foods before choosing a material.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Memory Tools
- Identify: What are my options?
Memory Tools
What is the most important?
Memory Tools
Why am I doing this?
- SPICE your methods
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Methodology
The systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.