In a climate where a certain six letter word search engine is fast becoming the one-stop hit for every research need, this book shows a breadth of techniques, opportunities, methodologies and suggestions that will open up your creative thinking in a way that no algorithm ever could. You don't need to hit a search button, you don't need to feel lucky. You need to read this book. Barrie Tullett, The Lincoln School of Art & Design, UK Design Research is an easy to follow, clearly written, student friendly guide on how to conduct research for practical projects. Although academic in content, the fact that there are direct links to professional practice throughout, gives the book a 'real world' authority. The inclusion of case studies, interviews and supporting imagery purposefully link the relevance of the content to the practice of being a designer. Carefully building in complexity as the book progresses, the importance, practice, methods, and key terminology of research are introduced in a measured way, ensuring the reader is not overwhelmed - students who do not value research as part of the design process will not only be engaged throughout, but they will be in no doubt of its importance after reading this book. In fact, Design Research doesn't just take the reader through a step-by-step guide to the research process, it also highlights plenty of everyday good practice along the way. In writing this book, Leonard and Ambrose have gone a long way in validating to students what they are taught on a day-to-day basis in lecture theatres and workshops - Design Research should therefore be on any contextual studies reading list as a result. Nigel Ball, Course Leader, School of Arts & Humanities, University Campus Suffolk, UK

Neil Leonard is a designer and educator. He is a graduate of the London College of Communication and is currently lecturing on the BA in Visual Communication at the Arts University College at Bournemouth, UK. Gavin Ambrose is a practising graphic designer whose client base includes the art sector, galleries, publishers and advertising agencies. He has written and designed several books on graphic design, branding and packaging.