Core Module Information
Module title: Foundations of Design Research

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: DES11157
Module leader: Tom Flint
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Art Design and Photography
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

This module will give you a solid grounding in the theory and practice of methods required for rigorous design research. In this module you will focus on conducting ethical human-centred generative research to improve the provision of designed outcomes. Module content will include Generative Methods, Qualitative Analysis, Prototype Testing and how to generate opportunities from insights.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in conducting user testing employing contextually relevant research methods to inform empathic and evidence-based decisions.
LO2: Show a critical understanding of methods for conducting human centred research for the design of goods and services and the appropriateness of designed outcomes for diverse cognitive, physical, emotional and moral attributes of people.
LO3: Demonstrate an understanding of the principals of statistical analysis in a design research domain.
LO4: Synthesise and communicate design activity for external audiences, using semantics, visualisation and storytelling.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Tom Flint
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 A series of lectures that will introduce numerous research methods appropriate for design research. Subjects covered will include contextual behaviours, affinity mapping and how to gain insights from conducting research and how to translate those insights into opportunities. The module will have a running theme of conducting ethical research with integrity and a focus on inclusivity.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20 This is a series of workshops exploring methods of design research. In these applied workshops you will practice methods and concepts covered in the lectures.
Online Guided independent study 160 Independent study is essential for success in this module. You will put time into exploring and learning methods for design research. You will be expected to bring work from your independent study into the workshops to demonstrate your independent learning.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 40 1~2~3~4 15 , WORDS= 2000 words A report discussing the design and implementation of a user centred research study. The content for this report will be developed over the course of the module in workshops designed for this purpose. Formative feedback will be given during these sessions. This submission is the summative result of the work developed in the workshops.
Essay 60 1~4 10 , WORDS= 3000 words An essay discussing an aspect of design research.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader