How can you use research to adapt to changing client needs?

2 Define the problem

Once you have a clear understanding of the context, you need to define the problem that you are trying to solve. What are the main issues or gaps that your design needs to address? What are the desired outcomes or benefits that your design needs to provide? To define the problem, you can use techniques such as problem statements, design briefs, personas, scenarios, and user journeys. These techniques can help you articulate the problem in a concise and specific way, and communicate it effectively to your client and stakeholders.

3 Generate ideas

After you have defined the problem, you need to generate ideas that can solve it. How can you create design solutions that meet the client's needs and goals? How can you explore different options and alternatives? To generate ideas, you can use methods such as brainstorming, sketching, mood boards, prototyping, and digital modeling. These methods can help you stimulate your creativity, test your assumptions, and get feedback from your client and users.

4 Evaluate solutions

Once you have generated ideas, you need to evaluate them and select the best one. How can you measure the effectiveness and feasibility of your design solutions? How can you compare and contrast them based on different criteria? To evaluate solutions, you can use tools such as matrices, diagrams, charts, and simulations. These tools can help you analyze your design solutions based on factors such as functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, cost, and time.

5 Implement and refine

After you have selected the best solution, you need to implement it and refine it. How can you execute your design solution and ensure its quality and performance? How can you monitor and improve it based on changing client needs and feedback? To implement and refine your solution, you can use methods such as documentation, specifications, drawings, contracts, and construction management. These methods can help you communicate your design solution to your client and contractors, and manage the project delivery and completion.

6 Learn and share

Finally, after you have implemented and refined your solution, you need to learn and share your results and insights. How can you evaluate the impact and value of your design solution? How can you learn from your successes and failures? How can you share your knowledge and experience with others? To learn and share, you can use techniques such as post-occupancy evaluation, case studies, reports, and presentations. These techniques can help you measure and demonstrate the outcomes and benefits of your design solution, and share your lessons and best practices with your client, peers, and community.