Through the ‘Visual Research Practice’ of observation, collecting, studying and exploring a subject, topic or theme, this will contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject

"Research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge.”

By Martyn Shuttleworth

Research is an investigation into your subject, topic or issue, where you explore, enquire, define, data and information, analysing and reflecting upon what you carefully selected, to develop and progress ideas further,to gain knowledge into the subject your studying. The more in depth research you do in your subject, the more knowledge and understanding you will have.

The video above of Ginette Caron's notebook, is a great example of collecting and collating different types of medium, to help gain a deeper understanding of the subject . The creative process of  'Visual Practice' can help stimulate different ideas, by drawing, creating pictures, diagrams, illustrations, and imagery. By exploring one idea, it can stimulate another, evolving different concepts and ideas throughout your project helping you explore these notions further and gain more in depth knowledge of the subject.  

http://mariondeuchars.com/index2.html

Marion Deuchars is another example of a visual communicator that uses the visual practice process, where his work is rich with observations. Deuchars's records his ideas travelling, encounters with people, and behaviour of people. The way Deuchars's records his surroundings helps stimulate different ideas, and feeds different ideas through the ongoing process of enquiry. This helps explore the subject further making his ideas a lot richer. He will constantly reflect upon his ideas, analysing and questioning how it communicates the message, and exploring different ways to problem solve the question. 

In order to research successfully, you have to be aware of the problem solving question you are going to investigate. Then collect date to answer the question, and finally present an answer that solves the question. Following this method will help you increase a better understanding of the subject.

When researching for a current project, it’s an ongoing process, where you constantly explore, enquire different ideas, and investigate different ways of communicating, then reflect and evaluate your different notions justifying what works, and what doesn't. Research should be an ongoing investigation of finding different ways to answer the question, and an essential part of problem solving, to provide a responsive answer.

There are two different types of research, which are known as Primary research and Secondary research. They both differ in the way you conduct them. Both of these methods play a major part into the journey of finding a solution for your question. 

Primary research is where you collect it for the first time, as the particular direction your researching doesn't exist, as nobody has ever researched into that current topic, issue or subject.

Advantages of Primary research;

• Accuracy and reliability,as you've conducted the research yourself you know it's going to be precise. 
• Research isn't outdated, as you have done it recently before collecting the information and collaborating it in your design work. 

The main disadvantage of primary research;

• Time consuming, as you have to define the problem you are solving, and analyse the answers given.

Secondary research is where it already exists and has already been collected. It is relevant to the current topic or issue by other organisations and publications. 

Advantages of secondary research;

• Easily accessible
• Inexpensive  
• Makes you aware if any potential difficulties in the subject you are going to study. 

The main disadvantage; 

•  the data or information is gathered from an unknown source may not be reliable, or might not be current.

Through the use of visual research practice, observing, gathering, and exploring a subject in depth, will help you gain a further understanding of the subject and develop your notions further until you have found the solution that provides the best answer for your topic or issue.