Modules

Module title: Research Methods
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: DES11101
Module leader: Peter Buwert
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Design Photography and Advertising
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
2018/9, Trimester 1, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Kirstie Jamieson
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Learning & teaching methods including their alignment to LOs
Each taught input uses a wide variety of audio-visual resources, group discussion and activity to foster group engagement in a studio environment. Studio based research and design activities will enable you to examine various research methods (LO1) and devise your own strategies for gathering, analysing, interpreting and presenting data (LO2). You will be supported in the planning and undertaking of research tasks followed by critical appraisal and analysis of the outcomes (LOs 3,4), and application of conclusions to the design process (LO5). We will also ask you to undertake regular peer reviews to develop self-reflective and critical skills (LO 1).
Teaching and learning methods on this module reflect the variety of topics and approaches to self-selected projects, both in theory and practice. Tutorials, seminars, lectures and practical sessions (e.g. workshops) will explore and develop your capabilities in research and analysis. Supporting documentation and bespoke handouts will facilitate learning.
Embedding of employability/ PDP/ scholarship skills
In industry, major design consultancies will use specialist design research practitioners. Undertaking a large scale self-selected design project develops your critical, practical and analytical capabilities, enhancing your visual, verbal and written presentation skills, and provide a context within which you can locate your individual design work.
Assessment (formative and summative)
You will undertake two studio based design research projects that will require the submission of creative workbooks (journals/sketchbooks), folios of design research (LOs 2, 3) and representation and conclusion of data (LOs 4, 5) in appropriate formats (printed presentation boards, slide shows, video, artefacts, and written reports). These will lead to an informed and rigorously explored proposal for a design major project (LOs 1, 4, 5)
The first project will allow you

Formative Assessment:
The University is currently undertaking work to improve the quality of information provided on methods of assessment and feedback. Please refer to the section on Learning and Teaching Approaches above for further information about this module’s learning, teaching and assessment practices, including formative and summative approaches.

Summative Assessment:
The University is currently undertaking work to improve the quality of information provided on methods of assessment and feedback. Please refer to the section on Learning and Teaching Approaches above for further information about this module’s learning, teaching and assessment practices, including formative and summative approaches.

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Seminar 48
Independent Learning Guided independent study 152
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Report 50 1-5 7 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 3500
Project - Written 50 LO:1-5 13 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

You will be introduced to advanced research methods for design practice which include case studies in design research and ethnographically-oriented research. You will undertake a research project using design research methods, collection techniques and analysis/interpretation techniques leading to an informed and rigorously developed proposal for the execution of a design major project. This will be evidenced by design research presentation techniques such as morphological analysis, concept selection and evaluation techniques.
The module will cover design research methods that will enable you to ask, learn, look and try things during the early exploratory stages of the design process in a creative manner. You will explore advanced research methods for design practice which include.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
LO1. Demonstrate critical appraisal of research methods for creative and critical practice.
LO2. Rationalise and devise appropriate research methods for practical design projects.
LO3. Plan and undertake a sustained research investigation in the context of a creative design major project.
LO4. Analyse, interpret and present a research assignment and supporting journal which includes the key findings of the research investigation
LO5. Produce and appraise thorough research through the application of appropriate critical research methodologies.
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Research Methods
 

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