METHODS OF INVETIGATION

RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES IN GRAPHIC DESIGN

ETHNOGRAPHY.

                        This is the study of cultures, through a close observation, reading and interpretation. Ethnographers work in the field, in other words they interact with the people of the culture being studied, such work is known as field work. Ethnographers are supposed to recognize various components of a culture and how to give a vivid description of these things to the public. This method of research is applied in many fields of expertise by their various practitioners.

                        Culture is a way of life of a group of people, who live at a particular place, who have a peculiar way in the way they talk, dress,think and share in common similar behavioral patterns. I can not go on with this topic without explaining what culture is.

                      As a graphic designer, one must understand that ethnography is not a quantitative method of retrieving information as a method of research. Meaning it is not a method that is applicable to a large population and a wide range of situations. It does not set out to achieve the same turn ups which are likely to be seen in over situations. Rather it is a qualitative method of research. It more concerned in detailed studies of a smaller number of people and groups. Unlike the quantitative method, it does not seek to acquire information that that is evident in other  situations, rather it seeks to find, as much as possible, data which concerns only a smaller group of people.

                    A graphic designer who applies this method must understand the fact that, they must not apply findings of a particular culture to others. Also you must not use statistic methods of quantification to your findings because ethnography is more concerned about details and descriptions not statistics.

                     A designer, must be able to perceive the abnormal in the normal and relate to it as if it were normal. Bonnie Sunstein and Elizabeth Chiseri-Strater, famous ethnographers have stated that ,when someone says that that's really weird or aren't they strange, as a field worker must  perceive it as signals for investigations.

                   This method of research allows you as a designer to get involved with the culture you are studying. It helps know a lot concerning the culture being studied and gives you the ability, to reveal hidden meanings which can not be seen and understood by strangers in your works.

                  Before a designer can use this method very well and put it to effective use he or she must be ready to ask some questions. These questions would help the designer acquire a wide scope of understanding in the patterns of behavior and how these behaviors play important roles in that culture. These questions would also highlight more on the culture you are studying. As an ethnographer in relation to design you must be well aware of the fact that your questions are not the same as that of news reporters. 

                 You can acquire information using this method as a graphic designer by observation and recording but as mentioned before, you can not only rely on what you observe only, you must get involved with the culture. Hence you can take artifacts or conduct interviews, these would help you provide an adequate support to explain your findings. Also you must be open minded to understand the behaviors and events that take place and their importance to the culture and its people. You must identify if the acquired knowledge , differs from your understanding and that of  the outside world. Finally you must find various research sites, to help you know if the inhabitants there can be called a culture.

               It is necessary for you as a designer to give a thick description of your findings in your works. This allows clarity to prevail in your works and makes the outside world interested in what you would be presenting, this will also provide adequate knowledge concerning the culture involved to the public.

             In conclusion, as a graphic designer, ethnography brings you up close and personal to other cultures. It makes feel as a part of your investigations,it gives you the chance to be a part of the culture being studied. It gives you a wide scope of understanding about cultures which can not be read from books or journals. The subjects which can be addressed here are unlimited, they could be related to everyday life or not, ordinary or extraordinary. It also allows you to understand the people you know better, and also grasp knowledge about our communities. Art from this method of research is energetic moving intellectually and emotionally stimulating.

                

                 

LITERATURE REVIEW

             A literature body is all  published writings in a specific matter or issue. However in research a literature review is a collection of published information in relation to a particular issue. 

           In this method questions are asked in order to acquire information. These questions are known as research problems.It also presents context for the research study and exposes the problem the researcher is attempting to solve.

            When using this method, a designer must be able to identify clearly what the problem is and why you are concerned about it. It also helps you identify what exactly the problem is, this creates limits the scope of the research by focusing on particular factors. A designer must be able to grab what the problem is without hesitations and decide on how to solve it.

           Literature Review, is a very important part of work as a designer. It allows a person to analyse a designer's work thoroughly. There are mainly two sources of a good literature review. The first is the primary source, which  includes the understudying of other works which concerns itself with the problems of a particular problem. Whiles the secondary source,are works that revolve around the problem and information originally posed else where.

          A designer uses this method to test his or her research against the  problem. It helps you know the knowledge on your subject you chose to address, it also gives you a platform to know if it has already been tackled by someone else, if it has it gives you the platform to modify your research as compared to previous researches. However if  you realise that your problem you desire to addressed has been addressed by someone else but not in a satisfactory manner, you would have to ask yourself a few questions, in order not to put you in the same shoes as the previous researcher. These questions include;

            *What is known about my research ?

            *What is the order of knowledge about subject developed?

            *Are there any gaps to fill in the knowledge of the subject? How do I fill these gaps?

            *Are there any significant issues to tackle?

            *What direction has been used by others and is the direction I am using the most fruitful as compared to theirs ?

       

          There are mechanics of literature review, this consists of two components. The first being a search through the literature. You must not find so many citations concerning your research, this means you would have a limitless number of references. When this happens it means you question is too broad and you must reconsider choosing a new question. In the same way if you find too little this means you have to reconsider changing your question because it is too narrow.

        The second is the writing of the review. Before you do this you must first have a good look at other works that would give you a fairly good idea about your subject. Also you must take well detailed notes of any information you might have acquired. You would also have to use resources such as computers and the internet adequately, to help you acquire knowledge concerning the subject. Now after doing all these you can now write your draft concerning the subject, after you must edit and re-write your draft. When writing the conclusion of a literature review however, you must combine the research questions you asked and the answers and also what you learnt in the process.

         Literature Review is in other words, if not the best, one of  the best ways for a designer to get the opportunity to analyse his works thoroughly.