New
New
Year 11

Research

I can explain how and why industry conducts research.

New
New
Year 11

Research

I can explain how and why industry conducts research.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Primary research involves collecting original data directly from sources, e.g. surveys, interviews, or observations.
  2. Secondary research involves gathering data from existing sources like books, articles, or reports.
  3. 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.


To help you plan your year 11 design and technology lesson on: Research, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main purpose of market research?
To guess what customers want
Correct answer: To gather information about customer needs and preferences
To create advertising campaigns
To reduce production costs
Q2.
Conducting an interview with a potential stakeholder is which type of research?
Correct answer: primary
secondary
Q3.
Which of these is an example of quantitative data?
A focus group discussion
Correct answer: A survey asking people to rate a product from 1 to 5
Observing how people use a product
A brainstorming session
Q4.
Match each research method to its correct example:
Correct Answer:Survey,Asking people about their product preferences

Asking people about their product preferences

Correct Answer:Observation ,Watching how users interact with a design

Watching how users interact with a design

Correct Answer:Experiment,Measuring the weight of a product

Measuring the weight of a product

Q5.
Which of these is an example of secondary research?
Interviewing customers about a new product idea
Conducting an experiment to test material strength
Correct answer: Reading an article about current design trends
Observing how people use a chair in a waiting room
Q6.
When designers ask customers for their opinions, they are collecting research.
Correct Answer: primary

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is an example of quantitative data?
"The fabric feels soft and comfortable."
"Most customers think the design looks modern."
Correct answer: "This product weighs 500 grams."
"Users say the chair is easy to assemble."
Q2.
Which of these is an example of qualitative data?
"80% of people prefer lightweight materials."
Correct answer: "This chair feels uncomfortable after long use."
"The product is 15 cm wide."
"50 customers bought this item last week."
Q3.
Match the correct description for each research method:
Correct Answer:Surveys,Collecting quantitative data using structured questions.

Collecting quantitative data using structured questions.

Correct Answer:Focus Groups,A small group discusses a product to share detailed opinions.

A small group discusses a product to share detailed opinions.

Correct Answer:Observation,Watching how users interact with a product in real-life scenarios.

Watching how users interact with a product in real-life scenarios.

Correct Answer:Product Analysis,Examining similar products to understand strengths and weaknesses.

Examining similar products to understand strengths and weaknesses.

Correct Answer:Product Testing,Evaluating a product's usability, or functionality through trials.

Evaluating a product's usability, or functionality through trials.

Q4.
Put these research activities in the correct order:
1 - Gather data
2 - Analyse findings
3 - Use research to inform design decisions
Q5.
What form of research is gathering data from component data sheets?
Correct Answer: Secondary
Q6.
Which of the following is an example of primary research?
Reading a market report
Correct answer: Conducting a survey
Looking at a competitor’s website
Watching a product review video