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307839 (v.1) Design Investigations 491


 

Area:

Department of Design

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

5.0

Lecture:

1 x 1 Hours Weekly

Other:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Seminar:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Other Requisite(s):

Substantial completion: Bachelor of Arts (Design related) with a course weighted average of 65% and over.

Syllabus:

The primary focus of this unit is on identifying ands analysing the currency , significance and context of design research. Meeting "client and end user" needs is a maxim in design practice, in scholarly design research "identifying a research problem and explainig the significance of the research" are essential criteria whose needs must be met. Using multiple forms of media inquiry, students will identify, follow and discuss current design research issues, developments and factors influencing them. There are many factors that can give rise to the need for design research including political, technological, economic and social changes. Rearch priorities are neither static nor independant of a socio-cultural context - these dynamic factors also affect how the design research community, as well as the wider community, prioritises research issue.
 

Unit Outcomes:

On completion of this unit students will have - Become more informed about the socio-cultural factors and gained the ability to identify emerging design needs brought about by socio-cultural factors. Analysed and discussed how design research affects society and how society affects design research. Gained the ability to actively engage with the design research community by the preparation of a series of short design research digests and a research paper, with a view to submission for publication or conference presentation. Gained understanding of how to negotiate, write, carry out and reflect on the outcomes of the Design Learning Contract.

Texts and references listed below are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Some units taught offshore are modified at selected locations. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information and approved offshore variations to unit information before finalising study and textbook purchases.

Unit References:

Williams, R. (1985). Keywords: A Vocabularly of Culture and Society. Glasgow, William Collins Sons and Company.

Unit Texts:

Emmison, M. and Smith, P. (2000). researching the Viusual : Images, objects, contexts and interactions in Soacial and Cultural Inquiry. London, Sage Publications. LUpton, E. adn Miller, A. (1996). Design Writing Research: Writing on Graphic Design. London, Phaidon Press. Tyner, K. Media Literacy.
 

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Digests (3) 30%, Participation 30%, Paper 40%. This is a grade/mark assessment.

Field of Education:

 100500 Graphic and Design Studios (Narrow Grouping)

HECS Band (if applicable):

1  

Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information:

 Not Categorised  

Result Type:

 Grade/Mark


Availability

YearLocationPeriodInternalArea ExternalCentral External
2004Bentley CampusSemester 1Y  
2004Bentley CampusSemester 2Y  

Area
External
refers to external course/units run by the School or Department, offered online or through Web CT, or offered by research.
Central
External
refers to external course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area

 
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