Graphic design research : teaching design students to use qualitative research methods in the design process

Abstract

<p>Within this last decade graphic design educators and design theologians have written a lot about the need for design research to be an essential component in graphic design education, but little has been proposed as to how a curriculum including this aspect would be developed. As educational institutions, such as Iowa State University, realize the potential of design research, there is a necessity to implement research based courses into this field of study. Students need to realize that when they enter the work force they are not designing for themselves or other designers, they are designing for a client. By obtaining an education from a program that offers students' design research, students would be able to assert the value of design research in the practice of design. Learning about the intended audience and the specific communication issues will make design a more valuable tool for the designer, the client and the audience. Thus, the goal of this thesis is to develop a curriculum that strengthens communication through design research.</p>