What makes something research is that it is: intentional, deliberate, accessible and creative; and that it is geared towards the generation of new knowledge that is of benefit to others.
They take lots of complicated and sometimes conflicting information, then using data and insight, they find ways to communicate this in a simple, accessible, impactful andcreative way.
Communications pros now have the creative capacity and a range of publicly accessible media platforms to deliver content directly to end audiences, bypassing the media filter altogether.
Buford thinks that if the technology becomes more accessible, creative people will come up with broader applications we haven't thought of yet, and desktop 3-D printer sales could take off.