13530 (v.3) DCA 703 - Design Research Issues and Methods

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Area:	Department of Design
Credits:	50.0
Contact Hours:	3.0
Individual Study:	1 x 3 Hours Weekly
Prerequisite(s):	13528 (v.3) DCA 701 - Design Professional Praxis I or any previous version AND 13529 (v.3) DCA 702 - Design Professional Praxis II or any previous version
Syllabus:	Introduction to the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake design research. Introduction to a range of research methodologies and discussion on these through a series of structured seminars. The chance to practice and improve presentation skills through presentations at these seminars and through the initiation of discussion topics. Presentation of a broad range of concepts, issues and theoretical approaches that are relevant for extending design practice and for conducting research about design. The opportunity to focus on personal specific fields of design research and/or practice. Provides contextual background for the development of research. Familiarisation with the debates about the relevance of design research to practice as they are discussed within the international professional design community.
Unit Outcomes:	On successful completion of this unit, students will have - Applied the design research methods covered in this unit to a variety of design research contexts. Competence in developing and using research techniques such as surveys interviews and questionnaires to source research information. Demonstrated the ability to use the electronic medium for sourcing and researching information. Demonstrated the ability to produce a sound and comprehensive research bibliography. Planned and organised a design research project. Written coherently about design and design research. Reflected on personal professional practice. Understood the importance of ethical and philosophical considerations within the research process. Chosen and applied the relevant research methods appropriately in other Doctoral project work and future professional practice.
Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.
Unit References:	Allison, Brian (1996), Research Skills for Students. London, Kogan Page. Banks, Marcus (2001), Visual Methods in Social Research. London, Sage Publications. Bell. Judith. (1993), Doing Your Research Project. 2nd ed. UK, Milton Keynes, Open University Press. Berger, Arthur Asa. (1998), Media Analysis Techniques. London, Sage Publications. Bouma. G. (2000), The Research Process. 4th ed. South Melbourne, Oxford University Press. Burns, Robert. (1997), Introduction to Research Methods. Melbourne, Addison Wesley Longman. Cryer, Pat. (1996), The Research Student's Guide to Success. Milton Keynes, Open University Press. Dant, Tim. (1999), Material Culture in the Social World. Milton Keynes, Open University Press. Evans, Mary. (1994), The Woman Question.2nd ed. London, Sage Publications. Hooper-Greenhill, Eilean (ed). (1995), Museum, Media, Message. London and New York, Routledge. Orna, Elizabeth and Stevens, Graham. (1995), Managing Information for Research. Milton Keynes, Open University Press. Prosser, Jon. (1998), Image Based Research: a Sourcebook for Qualitative Researchers. Sussex, Falmer Press. Runeson. G. and Skitmore. M. (1999), Writing Research Reports. Australia, Deakin University.
Unit Texts:	No prescribed texts.
Unit Assessment Breakdown:	Assessment (1) 10%. Assessment (2) 10%. Assessment (3) 80%. This is by grade/mark assessment. To pass this unit you must complete three assessments. The two seminar presentations are planned so that you get feedback on your progress during the unit. The third written assessment (an essay of 3000-5000 words) will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your overall understanding of design research methods.
Year Location Period Internal Area External Central External 2004 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y