The methods of research create the designer dislike

No designer ever says they like doing research. Not surprising in many ways as most designer’s personal experience will be the rejection, alteration and general bastardisation of their work.

However, when it comes to suggesting that research has no place in the design and innovation world, I profoundly disagree.

Would it be too provocative to suggest that some designers are uncomfortable with having to talk to the general public and would rather talk to one another?

The fault lies primarily in the way that the research is conducted and interpreted, not in the principle of research itself.

In fact, the smart option is for designers to promote, buy, manage and own research themselves, as a servant of better ideas. One thing we can be sure of is that research isn’t going away.

Jeremy Haines

Haines McGregor

Creative director

London SW3

jeremy.haines@hainesmcgregor.co.uk