Everything info designers need to know about field research, but never ask!

Since I started my journey as a design researcher, I realized that there was a big gap in the literature about using research–particularly qualitative research (i.e. not marketing research!)–in design practice, and even more in the field of information design. Simultaneously, as an information designer, I have always wanted to make research methods and my own learnings more accessible so that other design practitioners (and students) would be more inclined to use this type of research to inform their work, rather than ignore it.

So, I finally did it! Over the past year, I have been working on the creation a practical guide for information designers that speaks their language and demystifies how to conduct a field research study.

The result is the forthcoming book–Making Sense of Field Research: A practical Guide for Information Designers–that explains the use of field research specifically in the context of information design. Examples and guidance are geared towards the varied range of information design projects (e.g. creation of data visualisations, design of wayfinding systems, design of interface) and needs of information design practitioners (e.g. short timeframes, low budget). I placed special attention to the analysis of field research data, to help information designers make sense of what they gather in the field, as this is often a challenging step. Another key part of the book explains how to use research findings to inform design decisions.

In a nutshell, the book includes:

• Over 80 figures, consisting of photos, tables, and more than 40 explanatory illustrations specifically created to communicate key processes, concepts and steps.
• Step-by-step instructions for the most common field research methods.
• Visual summaries to enable quick reference.
• Five real-world case studies to bring the principles and methods of field research to life.

Who is this book for?

Are you an information designer who struggles to see how talking to people can help your practice? Have you ever thought any of the following?:

• “Research isn’t the designers’ job.”
• “Time frames are too short.”
• “There aren’t enough resources.”
• “Do we really know what our audience thinks?”
• “No one will talk to you for more than ten minutes.”
• “I don’t need research, personas can be made up from our imagination,”
• “I have been an information designer for XX years! I know what my audience needs!”
• “Google Forms and Survey Monkey work just fine, right?”

If you nodded your head “yes” to any of the above statements, then this new book will help change your perspective and open up a world of research possibilities to vastly improve the quality of your work.

The goal is to help you–fellow and future information designers–build enough confidence to plan and conduct a field study in your next project. And add this type of research into your toolkit. My hope is that the use of visuals encourages you, not only to read, but to also use the book as part of your regular practice.

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Making Sense of Field Research: A Practical Guide for Information Designers will be available 24 July 2018 from Routledge and Amazon.