Research
Implement the study, analyze the results, and make iterations.
The Research stage is where design and theory become practice. This is where the solution meets the end users, they respond and give feedback as to how the product/solution should evolve, and we measure what happens. All stakeholders are responsible for implementing the research project and seeing it through to completion. Educators engage with the solution, researchers collect data, and product developers respond as necessary to the educators and researchers.
Implementation and Data Collection
Once the plan is made and all stakeholders are bought in, it’s time to implement and test the solution.
Implementation is the most critical part of the codesign process. Ideally, it should be the easiest part of the process if the previous steps in the process are completed with fidelity. However, real-life conditions are never ideal. Educators are busy and sometimes classroom realities take precedence over the best research plans. Additionally, the research process may feel burdensome to educators if the solution isn’t delivering the desired results.
It’s important that researchers take proactive steps to ensure that participants feel engaged throughout the study. This can be done through asynchronous check-ins, where participants can give feedback on how they’re feeling about the research process so far.
The goal here is to reduce participant attrition and ensure that the study is implemented with fidelity.
Goals
Test the solution.
Collect feedback and data
Tools
Analyze the Results
To minimize bias, independent researchers analyze the results and present them to educators and students.
The process of analyzing the results of the research is the domain of the researchers. However, all the stakeholders should be provided with an opportunity to comment on the findings and the finished research report before the results are finalized. This review process is an opportunity to socialize the findings, understand if they are clear, and note any perceived discrepancies between the conclusions of the researchers and the experience of the educators.
Solutions providers may have objections to the conclusions presented, especially if the results are negative. Researchers should help product developers understand the results without excusing them.
The findings should be framed as actionable insights; unique to Codesign Product Research, all research reports also include an action plan, which include insights that can be turned into new or refined product features and improved implementation tactics. Ultimately, the researchers should use their domain knowledge to draw unbiased and impartial conclusions.
Goals
Answer the research questions
Socialize research findings among stakeholders
Create consensus for conclusions
Tools
Make product improvements
Teachers and students make recommendations for product improvements.
After the completion of the study, product developers should be equipped with research-backed feedback to improve their products and how it’s implemented in the classroom.
Product developers should be given ample time to create and implement a product roadmap to institute these recommendations with fidelity. Researchers should periodically check the progress of the product roadmap and, once all changes have been implemented, further research can commence.
Goals
Improve the solution.
Incorporate lived experience into the solution.
Tools
NEXT UP…
Produce