Research for Designers (3cr)

Objective

1. Explicate the differences between design, design research and research design
2. Define a research problem, formulate a research statement and framing research hypotheses or research questions
3. Understand a thematic literature review and its role in research.
4. Identify and explicate strategies for qualitative design research, e.g. case studies, ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology
5. Identify and explicate strategies for quantitative design research strategies, eg. surveys and user-centred research
6. Identify and explicate strategies for applied research, eg. action research
7. Understand strategies for content and visual analysis
8. Apply research design in preparing the research proposal

Content

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge that will enable students, through the application of design research practices, to independently develop the research design for a research proposal and their thesis. The course will outline the principles of research design, especially in relation to visual methodologies that students seek to apply in their theses and approaches to their research data collection and artistic productions.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Participation in the course is insufficient with low and superficial performance and engagement in the learning activities. The research plan reflects poor structure and lacks depth, insight and the ability to structure and apply methodological understanding and design research. The students’ application of research design is uncoherent and the research plan contains errors and/or ambiguities. The research proposal illustrates weak application of elementary academic writing and reference style application.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Participation in the course is sufficient and regular with good performance and engagement in the learning activities. The research plan demonstrates a good methodological understanding and the ability to structure and apply design research relevant to context. The application of research design is coherent, but shortcomings exist. The research proposal is completed to a good level of elementary academic writing and reference style application.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Participation in the course is active with excellent performance and engagement in learning activities. The research plan demonstrates an excellent methodological understanding and the ability to structure and apply design research. The application of research design illustrates multidimensional understanding of design methodologies and design research in various contexts. The student has illustrated independent design thinking and critical reflection, while the research proposal is completed to a high level of elementary academic writing and reference style application.

Materials

Textbook, selected articles
Muratovski, G. (2015). Research for designers: A guide to methods and practice. Sage

Further information

Timing
Autumn of second year Master’s studies

Tutor
Maria Huhmarniemi, Melanie Sarantou

Execution methods

6 hours of video lectures, 2 hours student seminar and presentation ¨

Accomplishment methods

Active participation in lectures; successful completion of assignments and analysis based on the selected research articles.