OUGD401 - Context of Practice Lecture 9

What is Research?

Hindsight is the ability to look back at history and be able to see what happened, however at the time it was unknown how it would pan out.

In COP we research about practise, in PPP we research into our practice and in Studio Practice we use research as practice.

Research, Reflection, Analysis

Research develops our experience meaning that we have to do things in order to research. Experiential learning is when we bring together what we found making the research practice.

'Process is more important than outcome' 

When the outcome drives process you get the same thing, however when the process drives the work it is unknown as to what you will get.

Research doesn't just clarify the world through problem solving, experiments and discovery. Research develops strategies for ideas creating genius's..

You have to get thing wrong to make better and more exciting work.

You can't get it right before you get it wrong.

If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be research.

Intelligent people ask questions, creating new ideas.

The basis of not knowing is research.

Research what everybody else has seen to think what know body else thought . We make connections in different ways.

Model for developing ideas:

Simulated Approach

This involves looking for inspiration from things around us that will inspire us. Through actively seeking inspiration it will help to solve problems. This can be a conscious or subconscious as we make associations between things seen and the problem.

Systematic Approach

This involves using existing material which can be restructured to create new ideas.

Intuitive Approach

This is based on experience we already have and involves internalised perceptions which are spontaneous. The intuitive approach is what we aim for.

There is a cyclical process between the approaches as we absorb work to create ideas and break things to make new things. They all involve experiences to develop new ideas.

What is research?

Research is the process of finding facts which lead to knowledge. This uses what is already known through collecting information from a range of sources and experiments, through trying things, talking to people and experiencing things. Research means analysising these things and seeing where it takes you.

Ask questions to find out things, it doesn't mean you are stupid. Through asking questions you can develop an approach to problem solving.

Types of research

Primary research is gathered to help solve a problem and involves the collection of data that does not exist.
Secondary research is collected by others at a different time and needs to be analysed and interpreted.

Quantitative research  involves measurable numerical data which is gathered and analysed. It is a statistical analysis that is objective.

Qualitative research involves gathering opinions and observations. It is about quality of information not quantity. It is subjective and gives ideas about peoples perceptions.

What is info?

By knowing what info we need this drives research

Methodology 

Phase 1 - Assimilation - accumulate and order information for the problem
Phase 2 - General Study - investigate the nature of the problem 
Phase 3 - Development and Refinement
Phase 4 - Communication - the communication of ideas to other people