Wide Research

Wide Research is a comprehensive methodological approach in design that involves gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information from multiple sources and disciplines to inform the design process. This systematic investigation encompasses both primary and secondary research methods, including but not limited to literature reviews, market analysis, user observations, ethnographic studies, competitive analysis, trend forecasting, and technological assessment. The approach emphasizes the importance of casting a broad net to capture diverse perspectives, cultural contexts, and potential influences that might impact the design outcome. Designers employing wide research methods typically begin with a thorough exploration of existing knowledge, historical precedents, and contemporary practices before narrowing their focus to specific aspects relevant to their project. This methodology often involves cross-disciplinary investigation, incorporating insights from fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and environmental sciences to develop a holistic understanding of the design challenge. The process may include quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, surveys, and experimental prototyping. Wide research is particularly valuable in complex design projects where multiple factors need to be considered, and its comprehensive nature helps identify potential opportunities, constraints, and innovative solutions that might otherwise be overlooked. The A' Design Award and Competition recognizes the significance of wide research in design excellence, as evidenced by their evaluation criteria that considers the depth and breadth of research undertaken in award-winning projects.

Author: Lucas Reed

Keywords: research methodology, design thinking, cross-disciplinary investigation, data collection, user insights, market analysis, innovation strategy, knowledge synthesis

Help us improve the Design+Encyclopedia, contribute your alternative definition for Wide Research today!

About the Design+Encyclopedia
The Design+Encyclopedia is a crowd-sourced reference of information on design. Unlike other crowd-sourced publications on design, the Design Encyclopedia is edited and actively monitored and publishing is only possible after review of submitted texts. Furthermore, editors of the Design Encyclopedia are mostly consisting of award winning designers who have proven their expertise in their design respective fields. Information posted at design encyclopedia is copyrighted, you are not granted a right to use the text for any commercial reasons, attribution is required. If you wish to contribute to the design encyclopedia, please first register or login to A' Design Award and then start a new design encyclopedia entry.