Research
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how and why industry conducts research.
Key learning points
- Primary research involves collecting original data directly from sources, e.g. surveys, interviews, or observations.
- Secondary research involves gathering data from existing sources like books, articles, or reports.
- Research is analysed and used to influence designs.
Keywords
Primary research - first-hand information collected directly from sources
Secondary research - existing information collected from other sources
Analyse - examining something in detail
Qualitative data - information recorded using words
Quantitative data - information recorded using numbers
Common misconception
Research is only conducted at the beginning of a project.
Research is involved in several stages of the design process.
Teacher tip
Use real-world case studies that students are familiar with, e.g. tech companies or fashion brands. Show how these companies would conduct research to improve products.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main purpose of market research?
Q2.Conducting an interview with a potential stakeholder is which type of research?
Q3.Which of these is an example of quantitative data?
Q4.Match each research method to its correct example:
Asking people about their product preferences
Watching how users interact with a design
Measuring the weight of a product
Q5.Which of these is an example of secondary research?
Q6.When designers ask customers for their opinions, they are collecting research.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is an example of quantitative data?
Q2.Which of these is an example of qualitative data?
Q3.Match the correct description for each research method:
Collecting quantitative data using structured questions.
A small group discusses a product to share detailed opinions.
Watching how users interact with a product in real-life scenarios.
Examining similar products to understand strengths and weaknesses.
Evaluating a product's usability, or functionality through trials.
Q4.Put these research activities in the correct order:
Q5.What form of research is gathering data from component data sheets?
Q6.Which of the following is an example of primary research?
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Research, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Research, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 design and technology lessons from the Designing and Making Principles unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.