A Designer's Research Manual: Succeed in Design by Knowing Your Clients and What They Really Need (Design Field Guide) - Hardcover

Doing research can make all the difference between a good design and a great design. Most experienced designers would quantify this legwork with the term research. By engaging in competitive intelligence, customer profiling, colour and trend forecasting, 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. 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, making this book such essential reading.

Associate Professor Jennifer Visocky O'Grady is a graduate of the Kent State University Visual Communication Design programme and has been teaching since the spring of 1999. She is also co-founder and principal of Enspace Inc. Ken Visocky O'Grady is an Assistant Professor of Visual Communication Design. In addition to his teaching duties, Ken is a Principal at the Enspace Creative Group, a company that he co-founded in 1998 with his wife Jennifer.