Those attending design research schools often want to enter the workplace as a market researcher or account manager. Design research involves learning about how to do research in the art and fashion world. The curriculum works to fine tune the student's skills. They take classes in design history along with contemporary design theory. They learn how to take different parts of the design world and create a vision of how things will trend. This knowledge helps them work in product development, trend analysis, market forecasting, project management, and strategic planning. The ideal student for this degree program is someone who loves design and research alike.

Students in design research schools take a wide diversity of classes geared towards refining their talents. They have a heavy dose of social science classes designed to give them a solid foundation. They take classes such as cultural anthropology, general psychology, cultural history, and classes on different art periods. They follow this with basic design classes in color theory, drawing, design theories, and design processes. To round out their curriculum, students take classes in design writing, research, trend analysis, portfolio development, and design presentation. All of these classes work to move the student from basic designer through to a professional design researcher.

Design research schools offer students the chance to enter various industries. Many companies hire them to do market research in the design world. They get to spot the latest trends in clothing and fashion. They may be the ones to help figure out how to design product labels. They might work on advertising campaigns. Some graduates become account managers. Their combination of business and design savvy allow them to work with design clients easily. Some graduates go on to become a professional artist that leads the industry with design innovations.

Creativity is the hallmark of the design world. However, many people work within its boundaries that do not have the level of creativity required to be a professional designer. Going to design research schools allows people to take their love of design into the industry without needing a great deal of talent on the creative side. Design researchers give designers and businesses alike the knowledge they need to take their work into marketable directions that lead the trends, not follow. Design researchers get to challenge themselves everyday as they straddle the design, research, and business worlds. It is a perfect place for problem solvers to start a career.