What distinguishes primary research from secondary research in product design?

Primary research is characterized by its focus on gathering new, original data directly from sources, often through methods such as surveys, interviews, or experiments. This approach allows designers to obtain firsthand insights that specifically relate to their product or target market, providing an up-to-date understanding of user needs, preferences, and behaviors.

In contrast, secondary research relies on the analysis of existing data that has already been collected by others. This can include reviewing studies, reports, or other publications. Secondary research is useful for gaining background information or broader context on a topic but does not provide the fresh, tailored data that primary research offers.

By distinguishing between these two types of research, it's clear that the essence of primary research lies in its originality and directness, making it a crucial component in the early stages of product design and development.