2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
DESN5177M Research Methods for Design
30 creditsClass Size: 250
Module manager: Jeanne-Louise Moys
Email: J.L.Moys@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Module replaces
DESN5150MThis 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 a research proposal (including scholarly literature review) 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 most relevant sourcesObjectives
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.
Syllabus
This module will deliver a combination of lectures and seminars. The lecture content will deliver various human-centred research methods that are suitable for needs and problem identification, for design development, and for validation of the design after implementation. These can include: participatory design, focus groups, interviews, questionnaires, ethnography, observation, usability testing, performance testing. Seminars will give students the opportunity to put their knowledge and theory into practice by evaluating examples and developing their own research proposals. Whenever possible, students will observe staff’s current research and leading work.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lectures | 18 | 1.00 | 18.00 |
seminars | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
Private study hours | 262.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 38.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 |
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 or Dissertation | 3,000-3,500 word -project proposal with literature review | 70.00 |
Literature Review | 1,000-1,5000 words – Critical discussion of peer-reviewed articles | 30.00 |
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: 17/03/2023
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