September 2023 | Kaleidoscope

Unlock Hidden Productivity: A Research Guide for Industrial Designers

In today's fast-paced and competitive world, industrial designers face the exciting challenge of creating innovative and user-centric products that capture the market's attention. While their expertise lies in design aesthetics and functionality, the role of research in the design process cannot be underestimated. Research is the key that unlocks valuable insights, fuels inspiration, and ensures that designs are grounded in real-world needs and preferences. However, for industrial designers and other professionals who are not trained in research methods, navigating the realm of research can feel daunting. In this article, we will define research methodology and provide suggestions for selecting the right one for your project.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Once a client settles on a research question, it is up to the design researcher to select the methodology that facilitates a rigorous approach. Think of methodology as a framework for conducting a research study. The chosen methodology will guide a researcher in methods and procedures that ensure the results or findings are valid and reliable.

QUANTITATIVE: Quantitative methodology is used to determine if relationships between variables exist, to test a hypothesis, or to measure a phenomenon. Quantitative data is used to make group comparisons or identify patterns. Data are numbers and reported in a standard reporting structure. Descriptive and inferential statistics require quantitative data. The output of quantitative analysis is referred to as results.

QUALITATIVE: Qualitative methodologies are used to understand a phenomenon more deeply, to obtain a detailed description of an experience, or to understand how or why an event occurs. Qualitative data may be text or images and uses a flexible reporting structure. Interview transcripts and video recordings represent qualitative data types. The output of qualitative analyses is called findings.

MIXED METHODS: Mixed methods research includes aspects of quantitative and qualitative methodologies in the same study or series of studies. Mixed methods approaches can be used sequentially or concurrently. Often, results or findings from one phase will be used to design a subsequent phase of a project. A Time & Motion Study consisting of quantitative measurement of a motion in a workflow followed by a one-on-one interview is an example of a mixed methods study. The qualitative findings could be used to understand the results of the quantitative phase more deeply, to provide context for interpreting the results, or to triangulate the results and findings.

WHICH ONE SHOULD I USE?

Choice of research methodology should be determined using several factors:

Research Purpose: If the purpose is to understand or explore, a qualitative methodology is likely the best approach. If a client wants to know how much or to determine if a new workflow is more productive than the old one, a quantitative approach will likely be appropriate. If a client wants both, a mixed methods approach will be best.
Budget: Generally, qualitative studies are more time-intensive than quantitative studies. If a client’s budget is limited, a quantitative approach may be best.
Decisions: If a client wants to use the findings of a study to generate ideas or inform iterative design requirements, a qualitative approach may be best. If a client wants to evaluate changes to a process or product, a quantitative approach is required.

The next step in planning a research study is to decide what methods will be used to collect data. Methods specific to each methodology exist but are beyond the scope of this article. If you are interested in learning more, check out some of the popular methods from a reliable source: narrative inquiry, survey, and ethnography are a few examples of methods you may encounter in the field. By embracing research methodology as an integral part of the design process, industrial designers can confidently embark on their creative journey, armed with insights that empower them to craft extraordinary products that not only meet user needs but also set new standards of innovation in their industry.

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Author

Rachael Clark

Senior Design Researcher | [email protected]
Rachael brings over 10 years of research experience to her role at Kaleidoscope Innovation. She has advanced training in clinical psychology and mixed methods research methodology. Guided by the principles of positive psychology, Rachael uses a human-centered lens for deeply understanding the user experience. Her work at Kaleidoscope focuses on human-machine interaction and identifying design changes capable of positively impacting well-being at the individual and institutional levels.

Mastering Combination Product Development: From Immersion to Validation

THE IMMERSIVE BEGINNING

Our journey kicks off with immersion, a creative problem-solving phase. Here, we ensure that solutions are at the ready for any potential roadblocks. We dive into the waters to test the concept's feasibility and identify potential challenges. We also map out short and long-term objectives, charting the course for product development.

MASTERING THE ART OF DESIGN

With a clear vision in mind, we start breathing life into it through meticulous planning and execution. Crafting a combination product resembles assembling an intrurate puzzle, where every detail carries significance. This stage revolves around rigorous testing and evaluation to pinpoint the best and most efficient design solutions.

CONSTRUCTING THE FUTURE

This phase is undeniably exhilarating. Building the product is where the concept takes tangible form. Transitioning from design to reality, prototyping takes center stage. It grants us the opportunity to scrutinize every element, ensuring the product's integrity and functionality.

THE PINNACLE TEST

Validation stands out as perhaps the most pivotal step in the entire process. During this phase, the product undergoes comprehensive reviews and testing to unveil any last-minute imperfections or errors. This thorough examination ensures the product is primed for its grand debut in the market. Validation acts as the ultimate litmus test, determining the readiness of the combination product for integration into various healthcare services.

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Authors

Taylor Schmitt

Marketing Co-op | [email protected]
Taylor Schmitt is currently a student at The Ohio State University, where she studies marketing. She loves exploring new opportunities and facing new challenges. While working at Kaleidoscope she has been able to work closely with the sales team to support business growth and brand visibility
Matt Suits

Head of Sales | [email protected]
Matt has always loved interacting with clients to find solutions for their challenges. He was drawn to business development at Kaleidoscope Innovation because of the great potential he saw. After graduating from the Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati, he worked with two startups, a marketing consultancy, a financial services company and the non-profit 3CDC. He believes that listening is the most important part of sales. In his free time, Matt enjoys movies, trying new foods, traveling and the great outdoors.

Unleashing the Power of a One-Stop Shop Product Development Partner

In the competitive business world today, time and dedicated company resources are more important than ever before. Companies face several challenges bringing innovative products to the market efficiently. Developing a new product requires expertise in various disciplines, from design and engineering to manufacturing and regulatory compliance. Managing your time and amplifying your limited resources will allow you to navigate these complexities successfully. 

Developing a business relationship with a one-stop shop to amplify your time and resources can be a game changer to the success of your projects. Ultimately impacting and improving the lives of the user. Let us take a closer look at the value of partnering with a one-stop shop like Kaleidoscope. 

1. CONVENIENCE AND STREAMLINED COMMUNICATION

One benefit of a one-stop shop is convenience. Customers can find everything they need in a single location, saving them time, effort, and potential stress. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple vendors and stakeholders, so they can have access to various products, services, or information in a quick and efficient manner. By having all the necessary expertise and resources under one roof, businesses can enjoy streamlined communication and collaboration. Which will increase your customers' satisfaction and trust, drawing in new customers at the same time.   

2. TIME AND EFFICIENCY AND EXPERIENCE

Working aside a turnkey product development partner can optimize time efficiency and experience. It eliminates potential bottlenecks, handover delays, and coordination challenges that can occur when working with multiple vendors. Additionally, the partner's expertise and experience allow for efficient project management, ensuring timelines are met, and deadlines are achieved. By accelerating the product development timeline, businesses can gain a competitive edge, capture market opportunities, and generate revenue. By offering a wide range of services, a one-stop shop saves customers valuable time that they can allocate to other activities or responsibilities. 

3. RESOURCE AND COST OPTIMIZATION

Collaborating with a one-stop shop product development partner offers reduced costs and resource optimization benefits. You can now work at full efficiency, maximizing processes, leveraging time-saving strategies, and achieving more goals for your business. Instead of managing multiple contracts, vendors, and overhead costs, businesses can leverage the partner's comprehensive services and infrastructure. This consolidation results in cost savings, as businesses eliminate redundant expenses and optimize resource allocation. Additionally, the partner's economies of scale, supplier relationships, and manufacturing capabilities can drive further cost efficiencies throughout the product development journey.

4. COMPETITIVE EDGE

Partnering with a reputable one-stop shop automatically can provide a significant advantage. It enables individuals or businesses to improve decision making. With a more precise and thorough approach in the choices you make, you will have more time for thorough testing and validation, reducing the likelihood of costly errors or product recalls. By ensuring the best of product quality and compliance, customers can build trust with businesses, leading to better brand reputation. Being able to respond quickly to market changes, customer demands, or emerging opportunities, creates an efficient environment where you can deliver products or services faster than competitors, giving you a competitive edge in the market.

5. END-TO-END EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE

A one-stop shop product development partner brings together a diverse team of experts with extensive experience across all stages of the product development lifecycle. From initial concept design and prototyping to engineering, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance, the partner possesses the necessary expertise to guide businesses through each phase. This comprehensive knowledge base ensures that no aspect of the product development process is overlooked, resulting in a robust and successful end-to-end product.

 A one-stop shop product development partner offers substantial value to businesses embarking on the journey of bringing innovative products to market. Here at Kaleidoscope, we have the benefit of engaging with our business partners at our multi-disciplined campus. Our electronics fabrication and advanced prototyping part of our campus is where products come to life. We can perform rapid prototyping and the integration of new equipment to see product development success. We work closely with our customers from ideation to creating end-to-end solutions. We strongly believe in working to your fullest potential and allotting the required time and resources to get things done right the first time. 

 From streamlining communication and collaboration to providing end-to-end expertise. We accelerate time to market, optimize costs, reduce risks, and enhance product quality. The benefits are far-reaching, leading businesses to navigate the complexities of product development more efficiently and effectively, driving success and achieving their growth objectives. So, the next time your project requirements, resources or timeline have you feeling stressed or overwhelmed connect with Kaleidoscope Innovation. 

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Author

Taylor Schmitt

Marketing Co-op | [email protected]
Taylor Schmitt is currently a student at The Ohio State University, where she studies marketing. She loves exploring new opportunities and facing new challenges. While working at Kaleidoscope she has been able to work closely with the sales team to support business growth and brand visibility

The Power of Creativity, Innovation and Community

The 2023 International Design Conference hosted by the Industrial Designers Society of America and held in the bustling city of New York was a true testament to the power of creativity, innovation and community. Co-created with the NYC design community and powered by NYC Chapter Chair Vincent Lin, this event served as a melting pot of the brightest minds in design, converging to discuss the future of design and its potential to address global challenges. It was as much a vibrant celebration of innovation and camaraderie as it was a stage for essential conversations about design's pivotal role in sculpting a resilient and sustainable future.

FINDING YOUR FLOW, TRUSTING YOUR INTUITION

The conference itself got off to an invigorating start with an insightful talk by Cormac Ó Conaire from PA Consulting. He explored the concept of staying in the 'flow', underscoring its potential to boost creative prowess. Cormac argued the value of pushing oneself to face challenges, which he outlined as key components in achieving a flow state. While he acknowledged that tools aren't indispensable to achieving flow, he suggested that they could enhance and sustain it. "Team flow is a unique state of mind," he noted - and the shared experience of the IDC, much like team flow, created a unique state of mind, fostering a heightened sense of engagement, collaboration, and innovation.

The conversation segued into a fascinating discussion led by Juliette Laroche and Ziyuan Zhu from IDEO about the potential of generative AI in product design. They envisioned a future where AI is applied to everyday objects, imbuing them with personality and interactivity. They explored how AI could be harnessed for material exploration, promising unexpected but beneficial outcomes. Afsin Mehnin from Card79 built on the intangible power of designers to harness these new tools, discussing the role of intuition in industrial design. He spoke about how intuition could be honed through experience and pattern recognition, and how physical creation was a unique form of learning and intuition.

SUSTAINABILITY AND REJUVENATION

The theme of sustainability was powerfully reinforced by Jarred Evans from PDR Consulting. Tackling the formidable challenge of achieving net zero in product design, he emphasized the crucial significance of material selection, lifecycle consideration, and financial sustainability. A case study on stroller design offered a practical example of how sustainability goals could be met through mindful design and material choices. "Product design has changed, and not everyone is ready. It's about picking the best worst solution. Better now is an improvement on perfect never," he advised the audience of designers and industry leaders from across the country and the globe.

Ranee Lee from OCAD University continued the narrative on sustainability and rejuvenation. She detailed the inspiring journey of DESIGNwith, a community-based creative collective from Toronto. The social and environmental lab collaborated with middle-aged women from economically disadvantaged urban areas to rejuvenate their communities through design. This successful co-design project demonstrated the enormous potential of design as a tool for socio-economic upliftment and the passion for a more caring world is evident in the work created by the team at DESIGNwith.

"We are seeking a caring design practice in a post-pandemic world."

Ranee Lee from OCAD University

CELEBRATING THE INTERSECTIONS OF IDENTITY & DESIGN

One of the most emotionally resonant talks was presented by Joey Zeledon, who shared their journey as a trans nonbinary person in the design industry, highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance. They spoke about the intersection of cultural and personal narratives, suggesting that designers often wear a 'costume' that represents their professional identity. Zeledon emphasized the importance of challenging traditional design norms and questioned whether designers consider their own identities in the same way we consider product transformations. They proposed viewing product design as a means of helping products find their identities, thus creating new narratives around identity and design.

Shawn Williams expanded upon the role of one's personal journey and lived experience in design, focusing on the impact of mentorship and community in shaping your career and impact in the industry. He credited his mentors, particularly Ms. Johnson who bought him his first notebook, for fostering his talent. Williams emphasized that possessing a tool as simple as a #2 pencil can grow to symbolize power in design. As the youngest member of Diversify by Design (DxD), he shared how senior designers within the organization embraced and nurtured the next generation, fostering a sense of community. We too have the opportunity to support the next generation of designers, creating an industry that is more welcoming to all.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

In conclusion, the 2023 International Design Conference was a vibrant celebration of design thinking, innovation, and community, showcasing the transformative potency of design in sculpting a resilient and sustainable future. The event was not merely a discourse on the future of design but also an inspiring testament to the power of community and mentorship in the industry. It left attendees inspired, enlightened, and looking forward to what design's future holds. We are thrilled to announce that the flame of creativity will continue to burn bright in Austin, Texas, the chosen location for the next year's International Design Conference in 2024. The design community worldwide eagerly anticipates the innovation, collaboration, and inspiration that the vibrant city of Austin promises to offer.

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Author

Caterina Rizzoni

Lead Industrial Designer | [email protected]
Caterina Rizzoni is a lead industrial designer at Kaleidoscope Innovation and is the Director-at-Large of Conferences for IDSA.