Research-based design

High school (ages 12+)
Making & Design

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/research-based-design

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the core tenet?Systematic integration of empirical data and scientific findings into the design process
2. What is the iterative nature?Characterized by cycles of research, design, prototyping, testing, and refinement
3. Why do designers use research instead of just guessing?Because research shows what works best and helps make places and tools safer, easier, and more fun for everyone. It uses facts from experiments and observations.
4. How does research help make a playground better?Designers can watch kids play, ask them what they like, and test different ideas. They then keep the ones that make kids happier and safer.

Empirical Evidence: Information acquired through observation and experimentation rather than theory or logic alone.
User Experience (UX): The overall experience a person has when interacting with a product, system, or service.
Ethnography: The scientific observation of people and cultures in their natural environment.