Summary 2.1 Design research handbook

Design research handbook – 6 phases
2.1 Campaign: Policy and Concept
Research

,Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................3
Overview of the 6 phases...............................................................................................................................3
1 Phase 1 – orientation.................................................................................................................3
1.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................................3
1.2 Project initiation document (PID).............................................................................................................3
2 Phase 2 – analysis......................................................................................................................8
2.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................................8
2.2 Research report........................................................................................................................................8

, Introduction

Overview of the 6 phases




1 Phase 1 – orientation

1.1 Introduction
The orientation phase is the first phase of design research.
The main goals of the orientation phase are:
1. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s assignment.
2. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s problem, from the client’s
perspective.
3. To determine the roles communication can play in solving the client’s problem
(communication product objectives).
These goals are realised by conducting one or more interviews with the client (if needed
with other stakeholders). The orientation phase establishes the client’s view, not the
student’s view, on what the problem is and how communication should be used to solve the
problem.

1.2 Project initiation document (PID)
Students produce a PID at the end of the orientation phase for assessment. The PID should
have the following structure:




1.2.1 Project description (mandatory)
The project description includes a short description of the client organisation and a short
description of the project, including the name of the contact person and their function in
the organisation. The purpose of the project description is to establish a context for