Designers are not researchers: the difference between design and social research from Sam Ladner is worth a read by all designers engaging in this kind of work. I suspect we’re all guilty of it. My excuse would be that sometimes its necessary and useful for designers to do the research, but I’m not sure I would be arguing the point the other way around, that social scientists should do a bit of design.
Research
Does Your Research Exist? Another great list of tips from John Thackara about how to get your research out there in a useful way. These three are particularly good:
Tip 3 When presentiong to me, assume I know nothing. NOTHING! The first two minutes – of my visit, or of your presentation – should answer the following questions that are rattling around in my addled mind:
“Where am I, and why am I here?”
“Who are these people?”
“To what question is this story an answer?”Tip 4 Always answer that last question! State, explicitly, the insight, discovery, or invention you have made, that you are giving me to take away.
Tip 13 Treat PR consultants politely but also with caution.They often never get it,whatever it is – but will act as if they do. If your company insists you use a PR team, use them as support – but never give them complete control over your communications.