MYP Design Year 1 · Unit 5 · Lesson 41
Product Development
L41 · 01

Primary Research

Gather first-hand evidence about the real user, task, objects, and learning-space situation.

Student Materials
Primary research toolkit
O
OBSERVEWatch what the user actually does.
I
INTERVIEWAsk open questions about the experience.
M
MEASURECollect dimensions that can affect fit, access, or function.
Use ← → / Space to navigate.Lesson 41 · Primary evidence
Learning Focus
Choose the method that answers the question
L41 · 02

By the end of today, students can…

01

Gather

first-hand evidence for high-priority research questions.

02

Record

observations, responses, and measurements accurately.

03

Identify

what the evidence may imply for later design decisions.

A research evidenceEvidence before interpretation
Mini-Lesson
Match the method to the evidence
L41 · 03
Observe

Best for actions, hesitation, workarounds, sequence, and actual behavior.

Interview

Best for priorities, experiences, preferences, and explanations.

Measure

Best for dimensions, clearance, reach, fit, or available space.

Try / compare

Best for simple first-hand comparisons of arrangements or interactions.

Use only methods relevant to the project.Primary research
Research Respectfully
Simple Year 1 routines
L41 · 04

Ask permission

Explain this is for a school design project.

Do not lead

Ask about the current experience, not whether your future idea is good.

Collect only what matters

No unnecessary personal information.

Represent honestly

Record what the user actually did or said.

Teacher can supply a representative user if needed.Responsible research
Workshop
Primary Research Sprint
L41 · 05
Research Workshop

Gather evidence for your top research priorities.

STEP 01

Observe

Record one real interaction or use situation.

STEP 02

Ask

Run a short interview with open questions.

STEP 03

Measure

Collect only dimensions that could affect the design.

Students may divide time based on research priorities.Main workshop
Evidence → Implication
Do not jump straight to the final solution
L41 · 06
Evidence“User moves three objects to reach the item behind them.”
→
Possible implicationImportant items may need clearer visibility or faster access.
→
Future design questionHow might organization reduce the extra steps?
Keep evidence open enough for multiple ideas.Research thinking
Exit Reflection
What did first-hand evidence add?
L41 · 07

Finish one sentence.

“The strongest primary evidence I collected was _______ because it could affect _______.”

Next lesson

Students use a controlled secondary-source pack / digital reference set to close remaining research gaps.

Designed by David Xu · © 2026 David Xu. All rights reserved. Educators and students are welcome to use these materials for non-commercial teaching and learning with attribution. Please share the original link when possible. Reposting, redistributing modified copies, removing attribution, or commercial use requires prior permission.