Lesson Plan

• Describe the purpose of market research in relation to demand, competition and target market.
• Explain the differences between primary and secondary research and when each is appropriate.
• Analyse sample market data to identify customer needs, market size and competitor strengths.
• Apply a step‑by‑step research process to produce recommendations for a design project.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed worksheets with demand/competition tables
• Sample market data sets (sales figures, competitor profiles)
• Laptops/tablets for data analysis
• Sticky notes and pens for group brainstorming

Begin with the question, “What could happen if you designed a product without knowing who will buy it?” Students recall previous lessons on product design and commercial viability. Today they will explore how market research informs design decisions and will be able to outline the research process and justify method choices.

1. Do‑now (5'): Write a brief answer to “Why is market research important?” – share responses.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain the purpose of market research (demand, competition, target market) and contrast primary vs secondary methods.
3. Group activity (15'): Analyse a provided data set to identify demand trends and competitor gaps; record findings on sticky notes.
4. Design research plan (15'): In groups, set research objectives, choose methods, and draft a short questionnaire or interview guide.
5. Share & feedback (10'): Groups present their plans; teacher checks understanding and provides corrective feedback.
6. Plenary (5'): Recap the six‑step research process; exit ticket – each student writes one recommendation for a product based on today’s findings.

We reviewed the complete market‑research cycle and how it links to design decisions. Students submitted an exit ticket recommendation, demonstrating their ability to apply the process. For homework, they will locate two secondary data sources related to a product of their choice and prepare a brief summary.