From classic content analysis to multi-faceted design research

Traditionally, qualitative content analysis deals with texts and their socio-cultural interpretation. Conversely, cultural historians base their research on primary and secondary sources, while designers focus on material objects. While indeed qualitative content analysis holds many advantages, it can be too broad and may not answer the research needs of design-focused research. Therefore, we suggest another qualitative content analysis based model, molding the textual, the visual, and the material while focusing primarily on the designed object. We believe this article will open a new vista to all social sciences researchers dealing with objects as their main research methodology.