2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN2287 Research Methods

20 creditsClass Size: 290

Module manager: Dr Bethan Bide
Email: B.Bide@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

Pre-requisites

NONE

Co-requisites

NONE

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to a range of critical issues, theories and methods pertinent to design research today. This will enable students to identify a research area and test potential methodologies for the Level 3 Dissertation.The module aims to equip students with the skills to become independent researchers by inspiring them to understand how research shapes design processes and introducing them to a wide variety of theoretical resources and research methods. The module will be delivered using a blend of in-person lectures and seminars and online workshops.

Objectives

This module will introduce students to a range of research methods and equip them with the ability to analyse their suitability and effectiveness. It will also introduce some of the key critical theories and ethical concerns that shape current discourse in design and wider culture and equip students with the analytical capabilities and confidence to complete independent research projects.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have provided evidence of being able to:

1. evaluate the reliability and quality of research resources
2. understand and interpret research resources within a variety of contexts
3. appreciate the breadth of the resources at their disposal both within the University and outside it, and the ways in which these may be interrogated
4. produce a logically developed, coherent analysis and interpretation of resources based on research in written and in verbal form
5. confidently employ research methods to pursue independent research projects for their level 3 dissertation

Syllabus

The module examines critical theories significant to contemporary design research and introduces a wide range of primary and secondary research resources and methodologies. It discusses how these theories and methods can be used to produce effective original research projects and explores the ethics of research and the role of design research in contemporary society.
The proposed module structure is as follows:
• Weeks 1-6: Introduction to key ideas shaping design thinking today
• Week 7: Formative writing activity: review of key ideas and literature
• Weeks 8-11: Introduction to key methodologies for independent research
• Weeks 14-22: Workshopping mini research project and preparation of summative essay assignment.
Indicative lecture content includes:
- Criticality, Creativity and Why Design Research Matters
- Choosing a Research Question and Finding Secondary Sources
- Designing Equality and Inequality
- The Ethics of Creative Labour
- Identity, Belonging and Decolonizing Design
- Sustainability and Responsibility
- Gendered Design
Indicative workshop content includes:
- Archival Methodologies and Researching Material Objects
- Visual Methodologies
- Methodologies for Surveys and Data Collection
- Co-Design Methodologies
- Refining Your Focus and Methodology
- Research Planning and Literature Searching
- Undertaking Independent Research and Ethical Considerations
- Analysing Your Research and Critical Reflection

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	7	1.00	7.00
seminars	6	1.00	6.00
Practicals	8	2.00	16.00
Independent online learning hours			25.00
Private study hours			146.00
Total Contact hours			29.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Independent online learning is facilitated by digital learning resources including videos, podcasts, slides and readings, which allow student to explore in more detail topics signposted in the lectures, and gain familiarity with key resources and ideas. As part of their online learning students will be set a series of interactive tasks to guide them through the online content. Private study includes set reading (40 hours), further reading (40 hours), viewing and listening to videos and podcasts (32 hours), reviewing lecture slides (7 hours), and visits to resources (18 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will produce a 1000-7000 word literature review for formative assessment. This will be submitted in written form in Week 7 of Semester 1. They will receive written feedback on this plan. In addition, students will be monitored through a number of ongoing mechanisms throughout the duration of the module including their Pebblepad writing portfolio and participation in peer-feedback activities.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	Essay 3000-3500 words	100.00
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 website

Last updated: 03/08/2022

Disclaimer

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