2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

DESN5154M Design Research and Integration

40 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Maria Lonsdale
Email: m.lonsdale@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and creativity that they acquired during Semester 1. Students will start working on their specialist project and complete the first three stages of the design process: 1) identification of problem/need; 2) research; 3) concept development.Students will also be required to write a research plan for their specialist project, formulating the aim, objectives, contextual background, and proposed methodology.Key generic lectures and seminars will impart information to students about the nature of the module and aspects of project development.

Objectives

This module gives students the opportunity to:
- Plan and conduct independent research work relevant to the student’s specialist project.
- Identify a user need and explore research and design ideas, concepts and approaches capable of delivering efficient design solutions.
- Critically understand and analyse self-generated ideas and concepts in order to select the best design direction to follow.
- Demonstrate coherent and detailed subject knowledge informed by recent research/scholarship in the discipline.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have provided evidence of being able to:
1. Formulate, develop and justify a design research plan.
2. Demonstrate the ability to carry out a higher-level design project, by selecting and applying adequate conceptual, practical and research tools to support its development.
3. Show creative skills in problem solving and an understanding of possible constraints in terms of feasibility and creativity.
4. Present research findings and design ideas in a coherent and visually stimulating manner.

Skills outcomes
User-centred research and design

Syllabus

Indicative Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction to the module. Writing a research plan.
Week 3: Managing the research design
Week 5: Using research findings
Week 7: Presenting data and communicating design ideas

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
seminars	11	2.00	22.00
Lecture	4	1.00	4.00
Private study hours			374.00
Total Contact hours			26.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			400.00

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.

To gain confidence to develop and articulate their own ideas, students will engage in private study.

• Literature search and reading: 125 hours
• Independent research and preparation: 125 hours
• Preparation and evaluation of assessed outcomes: 124 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.
- Regular feedback given in seminars.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Research Proposal	3,000-3,500 words research plan	20.00
Oral Presentation	Verbal presentation	10.00
Project	Creative Design Project	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The re-sit will be a 3,000-3,500 words research plan and the creative design project.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/08/2018

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