Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This comprehensive reference provides a thorough and critical presentation of 100 research methods, synthesis/analysis techniques, and research deliverables for human centered design, delivered in a concise and accessible format perfect for designers, educators, and students.



Universal Methods of Design serves as an invaluable compendium of methods that can be easily referenced and used by cross-disciplinary teams in nearly any design project.



Methods and techniques are organized alphabetically for ongoing, quick reference. Each method is presented in a two-page format. The left-hand page contains a concise description of the method , accompanied by references for further reading . On the right-hand page, images and cases studies for each method are presented visually. The relevant phases for design application are highlighted as numbered icons along the right side of the page, from phases 1 (planning) through 5 (launch and monitor).



Build more meaningful products with these methods and more: A/B Testing, Affinity Diagramming, Behavioral Mapping, Bodystorming, Contextual Design, Critical Incident Technique, Directed Storytelling, Flexible Modeling, Image Boards, Graffiti Walls, Heuristic Evaluation, Parallel Prototyping, Simulation Exercises, Touchstone Tours, and Weighted Matrix.



This essential guide:

Dismantles the myth that user research methods are complicated, expensive, and time-consuming Creates a shared meaning for cross-disciplinary design teams Illustrates methods with compelling visualizations and case studies Characterizes each method at a glance Indicates when methods are best employed to help prioritize appropriate design research strategies

Universal Methods of Design is an essential resource for designers of all levels and specializations.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Martin (design practitioner) and Hanington (Carnegie Mellon) provide 100 exercises intended to help structure design conversations and processes for design teams and individuals. This volume's textbook-like design means that it can be read straight through; however, it is better used as a reference tool that readers can return to selectively, depending on the design problem to be solved. Each research method, synthesis/analysis technique, and/or research deliverable has a set of facing pages. These well-designed pages feature concise text, additional references for further reading, graphic information and images, case studies, and reference numbers that direct readers to a specific design phase and research facets. Ideas about human-centered design guide the overall book, with an emphasis on product and industrial design through participatory data gathering and customer interface. The case studies, which are both realistic and relevant, cover a wide range of subjects and design applications. No index is provided, but the table of contents is descriptive and lists the design phases associated with each of the 100 exercises. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates, two-year technical program students, and some graduate students. L. L. Kriner Berea College