Studio 1: Methods for Design Research
Overview
In immersing students in a range of research approaches and methods, the unit models how designers in an academic or professional setting explore questions and generate reliable knowledge to solve diverse design problems. It addresses issues of relevance, soundness, scope and innovation in research design and methods, and clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance and depth in the analysis and presentation of research findings. In discussing research ethics and the regulatory frameworks around data collection from human subjects, students are challenged to exercise sound judgement, fair-mindedness and intellectual integrity in the conduct of research.
Requisites
Rule
300 credit points in one of the following: BH-DESCMN2 Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Hons) or BH-DESIND1 Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) (Hons) or BH-DESINA Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture) (Hons)
OR
Admission into either: BH-DES Bachelor of Design (Honours) GC-DESG Graduate Certificate of Design GD-DESG Graduate Diploma of Design MA-DESG Master of Design; or GC-DSI Graduate Certificate of Design Strategy and Innovation; GD-DSI Graduate Diploma of Design Strategy and Innovation; MA-DSI Master of Design Strategy and Innovation; MA-ARC Master of Architecture; MA-UD Master of Urban Design
01-June-2025
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Formulate a research question in response to a design objective
- Synthesise information from relevant literature through an intellectually disciplined process, identifying alternative viewpoints and frames of reference
- Develop an appropriate research design from a range of qualitative, quantitative and creative research approaches
- Analyse data in a rigorous and meaningful way, showing sound reasoning leading to conclusions and discussion of implications for design
- Apply the highest standards for the responsible conduct of research
- Prepare a comprehensive research report to validate design direction in industry or academic settings
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Studio | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| On-campus Studio | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Unspecified Activities Readings | 4.17 | 12 weeks | 50 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 14.83 | 12 weeks | 178 |
| TOTAL | 300 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis | Individual | 10% | 3,4,5 |
| Literature Review | Individual | 10% | 1,2 |
| Research Assignment 1 | Individual | 10% | 1,3,5 |
| Research Assignment 2 | Individual | 10% | 3,5 |
| Research Report | Individual | 60% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Content
- An overview of different research traditions.
- Critical evaluation of relevant literature and its use to identify a research gap, establish the significance of that gap and develop a research question.
- Qualitative and quantitative research approaches and methods with a focus on their adaption to design practice and research.
- Creative, practice-led research approaches.
- Design research case studies.
- Data analysis and visualisation.
- Principles for the responsible conduct of research, including honesty and integrity, and respect for and the rights of human research participants.
- Referencing and elements of style in report and academic writing.
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.