DESI 495 – Research Project

This is the major individual research paper offered as part of the Design Studies Postgraduate programme. It provides an opportunity for students to pursue an area of interest in depth. The Design Research Project is a fully referenced written essay, poster and oral presentation. Outcomes will be determined by the available supervisory expertise, the research topic and the conditions negotiated within the research project contract between the candidate and supervisor(s).

Course information

24 points, whole year. More info.

Coordinator

• Dr Mick Abbott

Teaching and learning objectives

Disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and attitudes:

• Strengthen the critical and theoretical understanding of design through a finished research project.
• Develop scholarly research, design and management strategies and skills to enable the efficient delivery of projects.
• Extend and develop design research vocabularies.

Understanding:

• Explore theoretical contexts for conceptual design.
• Strengthen design production values through research projects.

Ethical and social implications:

• Familiarise students with research ethics.

Lifelong learning:

• Promote self-sufficiency in a context of rapidly changing technology.
• Maximise self-teaching and flexible learning potentials through the research process.

Assessment

This paper is 100% internally assessed based on final submissions of the Research Project. You will be expected to develop an ability to research, collaborate with advisors, think innovatively, be independent and be able to plan your own study and work. Design research project work requires you to focus on design research informed by theory and to present your findings in writing and poster and oral presentation.

Workload expectations

DESI 495 requires a student effort of 8 hours per week.

Students are expected to maintain regular contact with their supervisor(s) as agreed in the research contract. Students will attend weekly class meetings to present research findings and to report on progress. In addition, individual meetings with supervisors will be arranged.

Research project contract and terms

Research contracts outline the responsibilities of students, supervisors and the feasibility of the project in terms of design outcomes, research reports, time management, and resources needed. A finalised draft must be signed by the supervisor and student. Any changes to the document must be re-negotiated.