What is another term used for design research?

The correct term associated with design research is exploratory research. This is because design research is primarily focused on gathering insights and understanding user needs, behaviors, and motivations, which often involves exploring new areas or topics that have not been thoroughly examined.

Exploratory research enables designers to investigate a problem space, uncovering underlying issues and generating new ideas that can lead to innovative design solutions. It typically includes methods such as user interviews, observations, and cultural probes to gain a deep understanding of user experiences and expectations.

The other terms listed, such as strategic research and foundational research, do not specifically capture the essence of design research. While these could pertain to broader types of research within various fields, they do not emphasize the preliminary and investigative nature that exploratory research embodies in the context of design. Tactical research is often more focused on the implementation stages rather than exploring and defining user needs. Therefore, exploratory research is the most accurate term that aligns with the objectives of design research.