Explanatory Design Research: Know Your Consumers 

Explanatory design research focuses on understanding why people behave in certain ways. Furthermore, it helps companies gain insight into the reasons behind consumer behavior. It is often used for product design, marketing campaigns, and user experience strategies.  

Researchers can cover the factors that influence such behavior and decisions from data. This research entails qualitative and quantitative methods, such as interviews, surveys, and A/B testing.  

Importance of Explanatory Design Research 

Businesses can use explanatory design research to gain insights into customer behavior. In order to understand the factors of influence and frame effective solutions. This helps evaluate the effectiveness of an existing solution or program.  

Ultimately, explanatory design research can provide valuable insight into a problem. Further, allowing organizations to make better decisions and implement more effective strategies. 

Characteristics of Explanatory Research 

Explanatory research is a powerful tool for exploring and explaining the relationships between variables. Some of the key characteristics include the following: 

• Focus on causality: Explanatory research identifies the causal relationships between variables. This means that researchers understand how the change in one variable impacts another. 
   
• Large sample sizes: This research requires large sample sizes in order to get the results. This allows researchers to generalize their findings to a larger population. 

• Controlled settings: The explanatory design research often takes place in controlled environments. These can include laboratories or field experiments. This enables them to account for and remove any outside influences on the findings. 

• Replication: Explanatory research often involves repeating experiments. This is to ensure the findings are robust and generalizable. 

Types of Explanatory Design Research 

The explanatory design research can be classified into the following types: 

1. Qualitative Design Research: This primarily involves interviews, focus groups, and observations. As a result, understanding the reasons behind certain behaviors and attitudes. 

2. Quantitative Design Research: This type of research uses surveys, questionnaires, and experiments. For the purpose of explaining certain behaviors or attitudes. 

3. Mixed Methods: In this type of research, we use both qualitative and quantitative methods. It gives a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic. 

ALSO READ: Survey Data Collection: How to Get the Best Results? 

Exploratory vs Explanatory Research 

An exploratory research design explores a research question or problem in detail. It gathers information to identify the factors that may be influencing the problem. Gaining knowledge and insights for future research are the main objectives. On the contrary, to produce statistically reliable results. 

Explanatory research design explains why and how a certain phenomenon occurs. It tests hypotheses and analyzes relationships among variables. It focuses on getting reliable and valid results to inform policy decisions. 

Examples of Explanatory Research  

In business, explanatory design understands the reasons for success or failure. For example, a researcher may study the relationship between employee satisfaction and productivity. They can use the findings to develop strategies for improvement. 

Explanatory design in criminal justice helps to understand the causes of criminal behavior. Further developing interventions to prevent crime. For example, a researcher may study the relationship between drug addiction and criminal behavior. They can use the findings to develop drug treatment programs for offenders. 

ALSO READ: Quantitative Research Design: Overview of Design Types 

Advantages of Explanatory Design Research  

The explanatory design research offers the following advantages to the researchers: 

1. This research can help identify the underlying causes and effects of a given problem. It entails a series of observations and data analysis. Researchers can learn how a problem arises, is maintained, and is resolved.  

2. Explanatory design research can provide valuable information to help guide decisions. It provides evidence of how an issue has been addressed in the past.  

3. This research can provide a better understanding of the needs and wants of users.  

4. Explanatory design research can provide valuable feedback for the iterative design process. Researchers can suggest solutions that are more likely to work.  

ALSO READ: Getting to Know Research Methodology 

Disadvantages of Explanatory Research  

1. The research relies on self-reported data from customers. The risk of bias or incomplete information is present. Researchers may interpret findings in a way that supports their hypotheses. 

2. Explanatory research tends to focus on a narrow set of variables. This limits the scope of the study, making it difficult to draw broad conclusions. 

3. In some cases, explanatory design may involve manipulating variables that could be unethical. For example, a study exposing participants to harmful stimuli might be unethical. Even if it sheds light on essential connections between factors. 

4. This research often requires a significant amount of time, money, and equipment. This makes it difficult for researchers with limited resources to conduct this type of study. 

ALSO READ: How to Make the Perfect Survey Design Every Time 

Conclusion  

Explanatory design research is a valuable tool for researchers and businesses looking to improve their products or services. Businesses can develop strategies to meet customer needs by understanding the reasons behind consumer behavior. Furthermore, this research helps in identifying new opportunities for growth and expansion. 

FAQS 

How long does it take to conduct explanatory research? 

The length of time spent on research can change with the project size. Yet, it usually takes several weeks or months to finish an explanatory design project. 

Who should conduct explanatory research? 

Trained researchers or consultants typically conduct explanatory design research. They particularly specialize in qualitative research methods.  

However, businesses can also conduct their own research with the proper training and resources. It’s vital to ensure that the investigation is unbiased and ethical for the accuracy of the results. 

What are some common misconceptions about explanatory research? 

One common misconception about explanatory design research is that it is only helpful for small businesses or startups. In fact, businesses of all sizes can benefit from this research method.