Each activity in the design process requires information, either general, or specific which is related to the particular project.
Often data gathering is considered as an attribute of the process of identification of user needs and establishing requirements. However, data gathering is essential during the entire project, on all its phases.
Product Research
In combination with the expectations for a product, product research builds up the basis for a successful design and must be accomplished before making any product-related decisions.
Technical/Engineering Research
After accomplishing product/market research more detailed information about technical aspects of the product is needed. In the beginning of the project such information helps to properly formulate the problem. At the following stages data gathering helps to select proper development tools (hardware and software), to evaluate ideas and concept, to test and verify proposed solutions, and so on.