Module overview
This module gives students an opportunity to use the skills and knowledge gained during the programme to develop a final practice-led research project. The module is largely self-initiated with students working independently to refine their design proposals, make connections with external sources and advance their ideas. The teaching is centred on project supervision sessions with each student assigned a Personal Tutor who provides guidance and support throughout the project. This module emphasises progressive independence, a rigorous approach to design research and a deep level of enquiry into key contemporary issues within the discipline. It is a unique opportunity for students to build a body of work that reflects the professional or academic context they wish to practice in after graduation.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate high level of fluency in a design approach relevant to a selected graduate context;
- demonstrate an advanced ability to apply valid research methods, design development and media production techniques;
- use an experimental approach to explore issues from a commercial and/or critical perspective.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- exhibit advanced critical and analytical skills, synthesise ideas, realise innovative and sophisticated design proposals.
- demonstrate expertise in sustained, in-depth and relevant research from diverse sources;
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the wider contexts that the design proposal sits within (political, social, cultural, technological, and economic).
- how to use design research theory and practice to translate complex issues into tangible information and interface design proposals;
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- select and pursue strategies for effectively managing projects, deadlines and consultations with external sources.
- communicate the process and outcomes of design activities at an advanced level via a range of outputs;
- Demonstrate that you can articulate and communicate in a professional manner appropriate to the chosen topic ;
Syllabus
- Design research theory and practice
- Practice-led research theory
- Design research methods
- Concept development
- Design development
- Media production
- Project dissemination
- Reflective writing
- Project management
- Presentations
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Workshops
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Presentations
- Site visits
Learning activities include:
- Design practice
- Group activities
- Independent study
- Reading
- Blogging
- Reflective writing
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Independent Study | 580 |
Teaching | 20 |
Total study time | 600 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
Buchanan, D., (2001). Design Research and the New Learning. Design Issues, 17(4), pp. pp.3-23.
Scrivener, S. (2004). The Practical Implications of Applying a Theory of Practice Based Research: A Case Study. Working Papers in Art and Design 3.
Frascara, J., and Winkler, D,. (2008). On Design Research. Design Research Quarterly, 3(3).
Cross, N., (2001). Design Research. Design Issues, 3(4), pp. pp.221-227.
Burgin, V. (2006). Thoughts on ‘Research’ Degrees in Visual Arts Departments. Journal of Media Practice, 7(2), pp. pp.101-108.
Textbooks
Smith, H. & Dean, R. T. (2009). Introduction: Practice-led research, research- led practice - towards the iterative cyclic web in Practice-Led research, research-led practice in the creative arts.. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Sullivan, G. (2010). Art Practice as Research: Inquiry in Visual Arts. London/California: Thousand Oaks/Sage Publications.
Verbeek, P. P.,. What Things Do: Philosophical reflections on technology, agency, and design. Pennsylvania: Penn State Press.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Portfolio DevelopmentSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Portfolio with supporting report | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Portfolio with supporting report | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External