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Following directly on from the Design Studies 1 module (which explores foundations for critical inquiry and thinking about design) Design Studies 2 digs deeper into design research methods. These are the practical matters of the ways in which designers can discover and develop useful knowledge about design, for design, and through design.
You will explore, adopt and use a wide range of research methods that are appropriate for contemporary design practice. You will develop and refine skills in employing various techniques, methods and strategies of design research in the collection, analysis and presentation of data, and the critical interpretation of this in relation to contemporary design practice. You will develop abilities to describe, explain and evaluate these research processes in a range of media including visually, textually and verbally. You will work on a range of individual and group design projects, which will require you to identify, analyse, use and reflect on your choice of particular design research methods.
This module will prepare and equip you with the skills to conduct thoughtful, critical, useful research to support, inform and improve your design practice.

LO1: Identify and evaluate appropriate methods for research inquiry in design contexts
LO2: Apply appropriate methods to collect, process and present qualitative data as part of design research inquiry
LO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate gathered research data and present reasonable conclusions
LO4: Demonstrate reflexive awareness of the researcher’s position within and effect on the research process
LO5: Critically reflect on the evolving nature and role of research within design contexts