Lecture 4- Research

Inspiration and understanding is a vital key to a reliable and creative process.

In order to be inspired and have a good understanding of a certain subject a strong root is necessary and for that a wide range of research is needed.

Research....

So what exactly is research?

Dictionary definitions explain research to be gatherings of data in order to accelerate current knowledge and improve skills. Other definitions explain research to be a process of steps, used to collect and analyse in order for us to increase our understanding on a various topic or issue.

A human brain can gather tons of information in the small duration of just a day. However as the capacity is limited, if things are not rehearsed over and over again, the brain can lose out on some important ideas or information. This is the reason why visual communications use sketch/note books to jot down their ideas on a day to day basis. This is very beneficial as any small idea or thought, can become something BIG even in the future. 

3 simple steps:

• Pose a question
• Collect data to answer the question
• Present an answer to the question

An example of an artist who does this is Paul Davis, who is UK based illustrator. He often uses a notebook to jot down ideas, doodles, notes and even illustrations so that he can develop them later on.  He will do this in his spare time and draw people just passing by, as he has a fascination for people. Paul's work is very unique as his sense of style always tells you it is his work.

                                       ^Some examples of Paul's sketches and notations^

Research is an aspect of the designing process and is also essential in problem solving                         Research is an investigation, studying, exploring, developing and seeking                                                  There are two different forms of research primary and secondary

So whats the difference between primary and secondary research? 

Primary research is data which has been collected by you, yourself from scratch. All data has been gathered by the researcher and he/she goes out there to get it.
Where as on the other hand, secondary research is already available for you and you just have to use the information or data which had been provided to you by other organisations. 

"Collecting things stimulates the brain, it helps you think of something fresher"

illustrators and visual communicators research by drawing, reading, collecting, always jotting things down which inspires them on the go. They are always busy with a constant process of inquiry to develop their knowledge further.