Design research can fuel innovation, shape approaches, and ensure efficacy. In game development, design research is a means of getting away from common sense assumptions and moving an accurate understanding of player interests, motivations, and concerns. This workshop provides a brief overview of design research approaches. Participants will work in groups to develop design research strategies for their own planned or prospective projects. While we are interested in the benefits and advantages of design research for game development, the focus here is on practical aspects of integrating design research into game development, including the selection and execution of appropriate research methods, how design research can affect game production schedules, and associated costs.
