Synopses & Reviews
The book begins with an overview of the field of research within the context of the creative industries, and then goes into detail on the stages involved in undertaking a research project within this field. You will be introduced to a range of philosophical assumptions upon which your research can be based and the implications of these assumptions on the method or methods that you choose. In addition to this, techniques and procedures for collecting and analyzing different types of data are examined and analyzed in detail. Each topic is accompanied by a main text with visuals outlining the key issues and debates. The topics are accompanied by key word definitions and explanations, plus references to key texts for further reading. Questions are also identified to get the reader thinking about the issues raised, to confront expectations and to make informed choices. Interviews with leading practitioners and academics give insight on current debates on research practice. The skills necessary to promote the effectiveness and validity of research within the creative industries are highlighted in case studies, all of which also demonstrate what a well-designed research project can achieve.
Review
'Noble and Bestley have produced an amazing book: broad in scope, thorough in its explorations of the many dimensions of visual research, well organized and clear in its exposition, it is the best reference for anybody wanting to get a clear panorama of what visual research can mean.'
Jorge Frascara, author and educator
'This book demystifies a variety of complex graphic design methodologies, making them understandable and compelling. An invaluable companion for any graduate level graphic design student, or instructor, it offers in-depth intelligent models, examples, background reading and explanations of strategies and approaches for employing visual research in the process of making graphic design.
Definitive proof that graphic design is not dumb!'
Michael Worthington, Graphic Design Faculty, California Institute of the Arts, US. Author of Two Lines Align
'Research through, for, by, on and with design. In an age where design seems to be too important to be left only to designers, such a contemporary, deep, vivid and accessible speculation on visual research is like honey to bears.'
Omar Vulpinari, Director of Expanded Media Fabrica, Vice President Icograda
'Visual Research is a stimulating introduction to the theories, processes, systems and artefacts that comprise our symbolic and material landscapes. Both explanatory and celebratory, Visual Research offers its readers definitions, examples, sources and suggested assignments to inspire alternative paths to a critically reflective and socially engaged practice.
This second edition furthers and improves upon the work of the first edition, a book that I have used as a text for fourth-year graphic design students at the University of Minnesota, USA. It’s also appropriate for students pursuing studio-oriented graduate degrees; their own visual experiments will have fresh benchmarks in the conceptual designs included in Visual Research.'
Steven McCarthy, Professor of Graphic Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis–St Paul, USA
'This book is an excellent and comprehensive resource for teaching design research and methodologies. It is the perfect companion for upper level design classes. The text clearly frames the creative process in the context of relevant theoretical discourse; case studies challenge readers to reconceive methods and outcomes, and exercises provide connection between ideas and practice. This book is essential reading for any designer or student who wants to understand how research and a clearly articulated process can enhance self-directed and/or client based design.'
Aaris Sherin, St. John's University, New York
'The word “research” sounds to many like an ‘academic’ exercise but this book is firmly grounded in graphic design practice. Visual Research gives graphic design students and working designers alike a great introduction to concepts and methods that will make their work smarter, more interesting, and more useful.'
Gunnar Swanson, graphic designer, educator, and design writer
'Visual Research is an indispensable sourcebook with a focus on creative applications for design theory. It's hugely useful for students looking to extend their practical work and really inspirational.'
Jonathan Hitchen, Manchester School of Art, UK
‘Visual Research is one of the most comprehensive, engaging and useful books of its kind. The text guides the reader through the creative process in a relevant and accessible way that clearly relates to the way design professionals and design students work. Throughout it highlights inspirational projects to illustrate the concepts covered, and on this level works as an engrossing archive.’
Neil Leonard, senior lecturer at The Arts University College at Bournemouth, author of Basics Graphic Design: Research Methods
'This book clearly presents research methods used in visual communication that will serve both students and professionals.'
Sherry Blankenship, ICOGARDA Magazine, USA. [Review of 1st ed]
'A rigorous book of theory unable to restrain itself from showing practical examples, combining elegant prose with full-page visuals.'
Luca Ballarini, Label (Italian Style Magazine) [Review of 1st ed]
Synopsis
Visual Research: An Introduction to Research Methodologies is a guide to the practice of researching for graphic design projects. The book explains the key terms and theories that underlie design research; examining the importance of audience, communication theory, semiotics and semantics. Inspirational case studies demonstrate how the use of rigorous research methods can form the basis of effective visual communication and design problem solving.
This new edition is packed with more than 200 color illustrations and includes all new case studies, end of chapter exercises, a new chapter on Visual Grammar and a foreword by Ellen Lupton, an internationally renowned graphic designer, writer, curator and educator.
Synopsis
This book is designed to lead you through the key knowledge, practices and skills of research methods in the study of design management and focuses on defining the research problem, deciding on a research process and undertaking a research project as a student at undergraduate or postgraduate level or as a practitioner within the creative fields.
About the Author
Ian Noble is a designer, design educator and writer. He is the author and co-author of a number of books on graphic design and is a regular contributor to design magazines. He has taught full-time for the last twenty years and he is currently working as the Coordinator for the MA/MFA in Communication Design at Kingston University, London. In addition he is a visiting professor for ESAD/Escola Superior de Artes e Design in Porto, Portugal teaching on the MA Em Comunicação e Multimedia. Dr Russell Bestley is Head of Postgraduate Graphic Design at the London College of Communication. His work has been primarily concerned with graphic design research through education and practice. His current research centres on the second generation of UK Punk and Post Punk, and on DIY approaches to graphic design.
Table of Contents
Introduction CONTEXT The nature of research The nature of research within the creative industries Case study: How the professionals do it What is the importance of research within the creative industries?
PART ONE - MANAGING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM KNOWLEDGE What makes a good research topic? How can you generate and refine your research ideas? How can you turn ideas into research projects Your research proposal Understanding research philosophies Research approaches
PRACTICE Case Study: Research approached case study Interview: Gerry Johnson on creating a framework Interview: Rachel Cooper on credibility in creative research
KEY SKILLS Creating the research framework Working with your supervisor
PART TWO - MANAGING THE RESEARCH DESIGN KNOWLEDGE What is the purpose of your research? Why you need a clear research strategy Multiple methods Timelines What makes research credible? What is the influence of ethics? Issues of access How should you choose a sample?
PRACTICE Case Study: Analysing
how Strategic Design Management can
enhance International Retail Management Project s- an Australian Cultural perspective Case Study:Does colour motivate storytelling? Interview: David Sims on the narrative Interview: Nic Beech on the creative influence
KEY SKILLS Time management Facilitating the research process Developing networks
PART THREE - MANAGING THE RESEARCH PROCESS KNOWLEDGE Using the literature When should you use secondary data Types of secondary data Focus on the Internet Focus on databases When should you use primary data Types of primary data Focus on Observations Focus on Interviews Focus on elicitation techniques Focus on photography Focus on narrative
PRACTICE Case Study: Does Colour motivate? Case Study: Perceptions of pattern Interview: Jon Prosser on photography Interview: Chris Huxham on action research
KEY SKILLS People skills
PART FOUR - MANAGING THE RESEARCH KNOWLEDGE The pilot study Analyzing qualitative data Focus on sensemaking Focus on narrative analysis Focus on analysis of visuals Focus on computer analysis Analyzing quantitative data Focus on statistics Writing and presenting your research project
PRACTICE Case Study: The process of theory building using case study Case Study: forecasting in Decathlon Interview: Mary Jo Hatch on the design influence Interview: Andy Neely on the economic value of creative research
KEY SKILLS Written communication Visual communication
APPENDIX Systems of referencing Examples of research project titles Calculating sample sizes Guidelines for non-discriminatory language Translation from other languages