Discuss the role and value of research and research methodologies in product / interaction design ?
LOW TECH MAGAZINE
solar server project
— a case study
![](../images/solar-low-tech-mag/mag_highres.jpg)
![](../images/solar-low-tech-mag/triptique.png)
![](../images/solar-low-tech-mag/CERN_Server_03.jpg)
![](../images/solar-low-tech-mag/solar-powered-server-detail-2.png)
![](../images/solar-low-tech-mag/sps_panel.png)
Website screenshot
![](../images/solar-low-tech-mag/low-tech1.png)
Website screenshot
![](../images/solar-low-tech-mag/low-tech-crop.png)
Website screenshot
![](../images/solar-low-tech-mag/low-tech2.png)
Website screenshot
![](../images/solar-low-tech-mag/low-tech0.png)
Website screenshot
![](../images/solar-low-tech-mag/low-tech3.png)
![](../images/solar-low-tech-mag/whyoffline_screenshot.png)
Research methodologies employed:
- critical thinking
- interdisciplinary (project ethos confronted to technical designs)
- high risk taking
- live experimentation
- release early, release often
- open communication
Derived value from the research itself
- By sharing the research process,
- by allowing for critical thought and risk taking,
- by experimenting with the live website,
Low Tech Mag's website and server infrastructure redesign directly exposed the value of open research methodologies for their end products, print and web.