Qualitative Data Analysis Methods of Understanding and Use of Design Research

Abstract

Analyzing qualitative data needs a careful approach and the expertise of researchers. Unlike pre-structured and formalized quantitative research, the resulting data of qualitative research is unstructured and jumbled by its nature. Therefore, it is necessary for qualitative researchers to explore analytical methods for analyzing qualitative data. In this study, existing qualitative interview data on the understanding and use of design research in practice were analyzed as a case study. Four interview questions were selected from the initial fifteen items for in-depth analysis and interpretation, focusing more on the interrelationship between answers and the analysis methods. Several existing analysis methods were initially investigated to form a theoretical base, including grounded theoretical methods and case-oriented comparative methods. Based on those methods, this research seeks to examine various analytical techniques in order to understand the use of design research in practice. The result of the analyses presented several findings of practitioners’ characterization of their own research work, their understanding of design research and research archiving patterns. First, many interviewees understood design research along the same line with, but in a more broad sense than, their own research work. Second, the characteristics of their real work seem to have an influence on the characterization of their research as well as the relationship between this characterization and their understanding of design research. Third, interviewees who understood design research as a very comprehensive activity rather than just evaluative or method-oriented activity tended to give more positive answers in archiving their studies. Finally, the limitations of this study and the recommendations for a future study were presented.