DSGN08071 2019 Design in Context 3 (Research and Engagement)
The emphasis in this module is to further enhance research skills that will enable the student to engage with clients, stakeholders and other relevant public bodies through the application of advanced research skills. This will involve setting up client/expert/user testing research strategies. Public engagement will be reinforced through the organisation and structure of a Symposium by the student cohort. This provides a platform for student's research and encourages effective communication skills. Effective writing skills will be further enhanced through the submission of a Research Paper.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Initiate, identify and integrate relevant research methodologies for meaningful design solutions.
Determine ways of addressing issues pertaining to function,use, ergonomics, sustainability and trends in a variety of research-for-design contexts.
Engage effectively in creative decision making processes and problem-solving activities in both group and independent situations.
Interact professionally with team members, project contributors and external agencies.
Propose solutions to design problems, informed by meaningful and relevant research.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Module is delivered through lectures, seminars and workshops. The aim is to encourage independent thinking through peer presentations and public engagement
Module Assessment Strategies
Assessment deliverables fulfil the module learning outcomes:
- Application of informed research demonstrating an understanding of appropriate methodologies
- Ability to utilise research within development of design concept or service
- Application of communication skills, both visual and written through public engagement
- Peer group/Client presentations
Repeat Assessments
Student may repeat failed elements for Autumn Exam Board
Indicative Syllabus
Students address a range of design research strategies including:
Advanced research skills: the aim is to establish a deep understanding of the needs of a specialist area through effective research
Qualitative and quantitative research strategies: effective survey strategies/evaluation of findings and key insights
Setting up client/stakeholder focus groups and interviews
Advanced User-research strategies: observing and testing
Research paper structure and organisation
Design semantics and artefact analysis
Symposium planning: structure and content
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Continuous Assessment Creative Design Research | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 50 % | Week 6 | 1,2,3,4 |
2 | Presentation Public Engagement | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 50 % | Week 12 | 3,4,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Research methodologies | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Workshop / Seminar | Studio | Research Findings and Evaluation | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Module Resources
Attfield, J (2000) Wild Things: The Material Culture of Everyday Life, Berg
Bartle, R (2004) Designing Virtual Worlds, New Riders
Betts, P (2004) The Anthology of Everyday Ojects: A Cultural History of Industrial Design , University of California Press
Blauvelt, Andrew (2003) Strangely Familiar: Design and Everyday Life, Minneapolis, Walker Art Centre
Blaxter, E (2006) How to Research, OUP
Blomberg, J (2003) An Ethnographic Approach to Design, Lawrence Erlbaum
Brewer, J, Porter, T (eds) (1993) Consumption and The World of Goods, Routledge
Clark, H & Brody, D (2009) Design Studies: A Reader, Berg
Highmore, Ben (2009) The Design Culture Reader, Routledge
Julier, G (2000) The Culture of Design, Sage
Laurel, Brenda (2003) Design Research: Methods and Perspectives, Cambridge; MIT Press
McDonough, W & Braungart, M (2002) Cradle to Cradle, North Point Press
Philoton, E (2009) Design Revolution, London, Thames and Hudson
Blueprint Magazine
Design Issues;
The Design Journal;
Contemporary
Blueprint
Journal of Design History
Designboom: https://www.designboom.com/
Core77: https://designawards.core77.com/2018/Design-for-Social-Impact
Red Dog:http://reddog.ie/
Design Research: https://www.academia.edu
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