Understanding Research

• Researching is a crucial process for the development of a personal investigative project.
• It helps foster a broader understanding of the chosen subject, drawing connections and pinpointing key themes or principles to explore through design and graphic communication.
• A wide range of sources should be considered to provide a balanced overview of the topic, including books, academic articles, documentaries, existing graphic works, interviews, etc.
• Reliability of sources should always be evaluated. Taking information at face value without critical assessment can lead to misinformation.

Practical Conduct of Research

• Note-taking is a fundamental research skill. It is essential to document information, thoughts and ideas that could become pivotal in the later stages of the project.
• The use of sketchbooks or digital platforms for organizing and visualizing research can be beneficial.
• It's important to cross-reference sources. Validating facts and statements through multiple, reliable sources ensures a strong foundation in reality.
• Referencing of all utilised sources should be maintained throughout the process, referenced in the format most appropriate to your project.

Depth and Breadth in Research

• Dive deep into the chosen topic – exploring various aspects and perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding.
• Not all research must be directly related to the chosen topic. Skills and techniques, related topics or contrasting viewpoints can all broaden the overall comprehension.
• Interdisciplinary research that encompasses related areas of art, technology, sociology, psychology, etc., can bring new layers to the main investigation, stimulating innovative ideas and concepts.

Analysis and Synthesis in Research

• Merely collecting information is not sufficient. The ability to analyse and synthesize the collected material into a coherent and meaningful whole is what drives a successful investigation.
• Critical evaluation of the material is necessary. Reflecting on the implications of the research, its strengths, its weaknesses, and its potential relevance to the investigation is essential.
• Connection between research and the final work should be clear and logical. Research should guide and inform design decisions, rather than being an isolated preliminary task.
• Remember, each piece of research, be it an article, a graphic design, video or text is a product of someone's perspective. Recognising this subjectivity and consciously including it in your understanding is a part of mature research.

Impact of Research on Design and Communication

• Incorporating findings and insights into the design development process enhances the quality and depth of the graphic communication.
• Research can inform decisions about visual language, media, and techniques to deliver the most effective communication.
• Informative visuals are likely to be more engaging, interpretive, explanatory, and above all, relevant. Creating relevance in design is one of the powerful ways to connect with the audience.
• Research not only supports the design process but also helps in articulating the rationale behind design decisions.

Remember that research is not a finite process with a clear start and end. It's ongoing, iterative, and evolves along with the development of your work. Don't be afraid to revisit and revise research as the work progresses.