EXAM LEARNING MATERIAL DESIGN RESEARCH (look at
pwp for examples)
What to know for the exam?
The Design Thinking process and the Double Diamond model
The phases of the Double Diamond:
Discover → Define → Develop → Deliver
The purpose of each phase (e.g., Discovery = explore the
problem space; Deliver = implement and test solutions)
The difference between primary and secondary desk research...
Whether a method is qualitative or quantitative...
1. THE DISCOVER PHASE PART 1
The Discover phase is the first stage of the Double Diamond model. Its
purpose is to explore the problem space widely before trying to solve it.
This phase focuses on gathering information about the users, context,
and challenges.
The phase involves observation, interviews, surveys, and secondary
research. Information from this phase provide the foundation for the
Define stage. The goal is to identify real needs, behaviors, and
opportunities.
Activities in the Discover phase should be exploratory, not solution-
focused. Documentation of findings is essential to make sense of the
collected data later. Insights from this phase guide decisions in the
following phases of the Double Diamond.
1.1 Double
Diamond
model
,The Double Diamond is a visual model for the design process, developed
by the British Design Council. It is called “double” because it has two
diamonds, each representing a divergent and convergent thinking
process.
The first diamond focuses on Discover (exploring the problem)
and Define (narrowing to a clear problem statement). The second
diamond focuses on Develop (generating ideas and prototypes)
and Deliver (refining and implementing solutions).
Discover: Explore the problem - divergent
phase
Define: Clarify the challenge - convergent
phase
Ideate: Create potential ideas - divergent
phase
Deliver: Test and launch solutions - convergent
phase
Divergent phases expand possibilities, while convergent phases focus
and prioritize. The model emphasizes iteration—looping back if insights
suggest a shift is needed. It encourages structured creativity, balancing
exploration with execution.
1.2 Discover phase: Introduction
Why do we need the discover phase?
We need the Discover phase because it helps us step back, ask naive
questions, and uncover real user needs and context, giving us evidence-
based understanding before designing solutions.
Discover phase Activities/Research methods: Why both matter!
Qualitative research explores the ‘why’ and ‘how,’ while quantitative
research measures the ‘what’ and ‘how many.’ Together, they give a
holistic view.
, 1.3 Discover phase: What is quantitative research?
Quantitative
Focuses on ‘how much’
Many respondents/sources needed to be
statistically significant
All respondents/sources are equal.
Possibly also anonymous
Invest time in collecting enough
respondents/sources
Statistical analysis
Quantitative research is structured and comparable, based on larger
samples, and enables evidence-based conclusions. It supports statistical
analysis, is used to validate or disprove assumptions, and measures trends
at scale while collecting numerical data. It also supports decisions with
(big) data by identifying patterns in behavior, frequency of actions, and
trends across groups.
Quantitative research focuses on measurable information and patterns
across larger groups. It generates numeric data that can be counted and
analyzed statistically. Methods include surveys, analytics, experiments,
A/B testing, and statistical analysis. Quantitative research is useful for
validating hypotheses, identifying trends, and making decisions based on
evidence.
1.4 Discover Phase: Quantitative Research Methods
Qualitative research focuses on understanding experiences, motivations,
and behaviors. Common methods include:
pwp for examples)
What to know for the exam?
The Design Thinking process and the Double Diamond model
The phases of the Double Diamond:
Discover → Define → Develop → Deliver
The purpose of each phase (e.g., Discovery = explore the
problem space; Deliver = implement and test solutions)
The difference between primary and secondary desk research...
Whether a method is qualitative or quantitative...
1. THE DISCOVER PHASE PART 1
The Discover phase is the first stage of the Double Diamond model. Its
purpose is to explore the problem space widely before trying to solve it.
This phase focuses on gathering information about the users, context,
and challenges.
The phase involves observation, interviews, surveys, and secondary
research. Information from this phase provide the foundation for the
Define stage. The goal is to identify real needs, behaviors, and
opportunities.
Activities in the Discover phase should be exploratory, not solution-
focused. Documentation of findings is essential to make sense of the
collected data later. Insights from this phase guide decisions in the
following phases of the Double Diamond.
1.1 Double
Diamond
model
,The Double Diamond is a visual model for the design process, developed
by the British Design Council. It is called “double” because it has two
diamonds, each representing a divergent and convergent thinking
process.
The first diamond focuses on Discover (exploring the problem)
and Define (narrowing to a clear problem statement). The second
diamond focuses on Develop (generating ideas and prototypes)
and Deliver (refining and implementing solutions).
Discover: Explore the problem - divergent
phase
Define: Clarify the challenge - convergent
phase
Ideate: Create potential ideas - divergent
phase
Deliver: Test and launch solutions - convergent
phase
Divergent phases expand possibilities, while convergent phases focus
and prioritize. The model emphasizes iteration—looping back if insights
suggest a shift is needed. It encourages structured creativity, balancing
exploration with execution.
1.2 Discover phase: Introduction
Why do we need the discover phase?
We need the Discover phase because it helps us step back, ask naive
questions, and uncover real user needs and context, giving us evidence-
based understanding before designing solutions.
Discover phase Activities/Research methods: Why both matter!
Qualitative research explores the ‘why’ and ‘how,’ while quantitative
research measures the ‘what’ and ‘how many.’ Together, they give a
holistic view.
, 1.3 Discover phase: What is quantitative research?
Quantitative
Focuses on ‘how much’
Many respondents/sources needed to be
statistically significant
All respondents/sources are equal.
Possibly also anonymous
Invest time in collecting enough
respondents/sources
Statistical analysis
Quantitative research is structured and comparable, based on larger
samples, and enables evidence-based conclusions. It supports statistical
analysis, is used to validate or disprove assumptions, and measures trends
at scale while collecting numerical data. It also supports decisions with
(big) data by identifying patterns in behavior, frequency of actions, and
trends across groups.
Quantitative research focuses on measurable information and patterns
across larger groups. It generates numeric data that can be counted and
analyzed statistically. Methods include surveys, analytics, experiments,
A/B testing, and statistical analysis. Quantitative research is useful for
validating hypotheses, identifying trends, and making decisions based on
evidence.
1.4 Discover Phase: Quantitative Research Methods
Qualitative research focuses on understanding experiences, motivations,
and behaviors. Common methods include:
