Research as an ideation tool

Research is a vital element in the design process, and although described variously in terms such as research-based design, research-driven design or research-focused design, the meaning is similar, that is, research helps designers better understand and formulate the problem towards finding a solution that meets a user's needs, wants and goals. And while there are many types of design research, there are two research methods that are particularly helpful at the early stage of the design process, or the ideation phase: Exploratory and Generative. The explorative method is useful to gain background information, where little or none is known about the problem in order to help frame the problem (what, why, how), whereas generative research, based on existing data (from sources such as the internet, books, or articles) can help generate ideas and therefore solutions, and whether new or an improvement in an existing problem.