How to validate design : validating design using target group interview

Abstract

This thesis explores the topic of design validation. The theoretical aspects concentrate on design process and different attributes of design that can be measured. The objective was to gain knowledge on how design solutions can be validated or improved. The aim was also to find out if the validation data could be useful for designers. In addition to the theory, this thesis consists of a practical part, which includes a design case for a client, and a target group interview that aims to validate the design.

For the practical part the research data were collected using a target group interview. The collected data were mainly qualitative and they were analysed in order to validate the design and to evaluate target group interview as a validation tool. The results were mainly qualitative, but some results are also presented in quantitative methods to create a general overview of the case.

The results suggest that design can be validated and measured by analysing different design attributes, which are connected to the client’s needs, design objectives, target group response and available resources. This research identifies the subjectivity of experiencing design and indicates that predicting an audience response may never be completely accurate. The research also suggests that understanding different stages of design process is important for creating successful design solutions.

At the end of this thesis, a conclusion ties together the theory, the practical case and the findings done based on the gathered data. On the basis of the thesis, it is possible to understand design process and design validation better, and to evaluate the need for a target group feedback.