2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
DESN5150M Research Methods for Design
20 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Dr Maria Lonsdale
Email: m.lonsdale@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module will review current thinking on design research and will introduce a range of research methods with practical application to design, which may be employed in the student's specialist project, as well as projects developed in the specialist optional modules. Social and ethical issues will be discussed.Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be covered, including: interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, performance tests, usability testing, ethnographic research, etc. Students will acquire skills and techniques for literature reviewing, data collection, data analysis, and application of findings to the development of effective human-centred design solutions. Students will be required to write an essay deconstructing research articles in their fields of interest. They will also be required to write an annotated bibliography around the research they are planning to do for their specialist project in Semester 2. They will read widely on their topic and select the 20 most relevant sources.Objectives
This module gives students the opportunity to:- Learn and understand a range of research methods that can be applied to human-centred design.
- Select and use appropriate research methods to support the development of design projects that are both practice- and research-focused.
- Acquire and improve the key competencies necessary to be a critical reader of published research.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have provided evidence of being able to:
1. Search, access and review reliable literature in the area of design effectively and critically.
2. Express clearly the current issues and challenges of the design research community.
3. Understand the characteristics of established research methods and evaluate their effectiveness for their own research.
Skills outcomes
User-centred research and design
Syllabus
Indicative list of lectures:
Week 1: Introduction to module.
Week 2: What is research?
Week 3: Literature review and annotated bibliography
Week 4: Interviews and focus groups
Week 5: Surveys and questionnaires
Week 6: Ethnography
Week 7: Participatory design
Week 8: Usability tests
Week 9: Performance studies
Week 10: Data analysis
Week 11: Research planning and design
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
Seminar | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
Private study hours | 178.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 22.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
To gain confidence to develop and articulate their own ideas, students will engage in private study.Each lecture is supported by material that is available on the Blackboard VLE. This material provides links to appropriate journal papers, books, videos and websites. Digital copies of the lectures will be also available on the VLE so that students can follow up in a systematic and structured manner.
Students will bring and discuss their ideas to the lectures, allowing them to gain confidence in their own critical thinking. Students will also be asked to find and provide design examples to show their understanding of the theoretical content addressed in the lecture.
- Literature search and reading: 60 hours
- Independent research and preparation: 58 hours
- Preparation and evaluation of assessed outcomes: 60 hours
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored through:- Regular attendance at lectures and seminars (absences dealt with through the normal School channels).
- Participation in lectures and seminars.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 1,250-1,500 words – Critical discussion of peer-reviewed articles | 30.00 |
Literature Review | 4,000-4,500 words – annotated bibliography | 70.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 20/01/2017
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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