Do as I do, not just as I tell you: taking students on a research journey

This paper explores four key case studies involving 2nd and final year BSc Product Design students in academic research projects, engaging with the public, industrial clients, and the public sector on live externally funded research projects. Undergraduate students are often taught how to undertake research or required to engage in meaningful primary research on their own projects. However, the opportunity for students to engage on real live projects working alongside academics is explored in this paper alongside the benefits and pitfalls of engaging in such projects as active design researchers. The case studies range from 2018 to the present day and concern two Road Safety projects and a Circular Economy study. Students were led through a research process as apprentices collecting and analysing their own research alongside academics, receiving guidance and support from a range of qualitative research techniques including interviews, observations and focus groups. A key benefit of conducting research collaboratively is that students gain a genuine appreciation and understanding of the rigour required in research. The inclusion of undergraduate students also demystifies the research process for the students and has benefits for the academics and external agencies involved.