Research methodology

To gather information about folders and ring binders interviews on focus groups will be carried out. Focus groups will be carried out as there are different age groups and professions were people use ring binders and other types of folders. Some of these groups include teachers, college and university students, business men and in many shops and offices. By interviewing these people in these groups different problems and improvements should come to light as the folders are used in different ways, as well as this the interviewees will be able to bounce ideas off of each other giving greater detail on problems with the folders that they use. Each group will consist of about 8 – 10 people and pictures of the type of folders that are being used in each one.

The questions that will be used in these interviews will be open questions and recorded on a brainstorm which will provide qualitative results. Two main questions will be asked, the first being do you have any problems with the folders you are currently using? The second being what improvements do you think should be made to the folder?

Analysing existing ring binders and folders through pictures and disassembly of the product will be conducted. By doing this any problems or improvements not seen by the users themselves can be discovered such as the materials being used already and whether there are better materials that could be used.

Ethical Implications

As the study will be asking people their thoughts and opinions there are ethical implications that must be taken into account before any research can begin. A few of the groups being interviewed are in or involved in the work place therefore things they might say could have implications on them so no names will be taken or linked to things said within the group. Also if this project was to be published some people wouldn’t want others to know who they are or what they have said and all of this needs to be made aware to the participants.

Abstract

Most students and teachers use ring binders to store and carry their work around to protect it. However over time, especially if the folder is used a lot, these folders bend which in turn bend the rings that hold the paper meaning that the work isn’t held as well any more and can even get damaged by the folder that is supposed to be protecting it. This is most common in areas of work where folders are moved and open lots of times every day. The follow project will try to find ways to improve the sustainability of folders and ring binders.