Part I. Planning your research : Why research? : The information age ; Design as creative problem-solving Systems of inquiry : Beginning your research journey ; Systems of inquiry ; Systems of evaluation ; Subjective reality versus objective reality ; Systemization of research ; Sizing up our world: objectivity and relativity ; Quantitative information versus qualitative information Meaningful influences : Design context ; What is design philosophy? ; Understanding theory ; Understanding paradigms ; Understanding a testable hypothesis Brainstorming : Your professional identity ; Nurture your delicate ideas ; Dive into your strengths ; Identify a problem to solve ; Brainstorming and creativity ; Concept mapping ; Identifying your research topic ; Narrowing your research topic ; Turning your research topic into a research question ; Seeking innovation ; Seeking inspiration Part II. Information gathering : Identifying information sources : Identifying information and research sources ; Conducting a literature review Interviews : Conducting interviews ; Current trends in alternative interviewing techniques: non-verbal or image-based interviews ; Practicing what you've learned Surveys : Types of questionnaires for interior design ; Questionnaire design and distribution methods (the act of surveying) ; Practicing what you've learned Observation : Gathering evidence: past and present ; Types of observation
Part III. Programming : Research-inspired design : The interior design thesis ; What is a thesis ; Developing a thesis statement ; Writing your thesis proposal ; Using research to develop your thesis project type ; Scale versus scope ; Developing a client profile ; Developing a user profile
The written program : Closing the "synthesis gap" ; What is a programming ; What is a program? ; Programming step by step ; Exploring the five steps of programming ; Professional program formats ; Activity-based program versus spatially based program ; Creating a programming document ; Establishing relationships: criteria matrix and relationship diagrams ; Effective communication of the program
Site selection and analysis : Does your building fit your program? Site selection ; Site data collection ; Sources of site data ; Site summary ; Data analysis and interpretation
Part 4. Design : Schematics : The schematic design phase ; Revisiting the role of the design concept ; Generating multiple solutions ; Diagrams
Design development : The design development phase ; Codes research for interior design ; Furniture, fixtures and equipment ; Colors and materials ; Representing and communicating your design ; Putting it all together
Design as a circular process : Using research as a strategy for a successful presentation and defense ; Applying research during contract documents and contract administration ; Documenting and archiving your work ; What kind of researcher are you? ; Design as a circular process.
