A few tips:

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1. Start with a mind map that fully explores your brief. Make sure you include all of the possibilities, not matter how 'crazy' or 'out there' they may first appear to be. Include in here all of the things you don't yet know but need to find out.

2. Include some form of target market consultation

3. Avoid materials research at this stage, it makes more sense to do this once you have decided upon the shape/form of your design solution

4. Product analysis (primary and secondary) is a must

5. Not all research has to (or should) fit neatly onto an A3 page...life isn't that neat! If research only takes 1/3 of a page, don't stretch it out.

5. Don't spend hours on formatting yet. Chances are the pages will change, so don't waste your time.

6. At the end of each piece of research include a 'Reflection and points to include in my specification' box - this will help make sure that you are drawing sensible conclusions for your design work later on.

7. Make sure you consider everything you might need e.g.If you intend to make any form of storage unit then you need to measure the items you would like to store.