Design Research Method

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

You can’t make sound design decisions without sound design research. How does a designer determine the thematic colors of a new corporate identity or the shape of an avant garde concert hall? Through design research and its related methodology. Designers use a number of ever-expanding methodologies for design research which has been developed over time internally to the field and externally through a number of disparate disciplines. This course provides a comprehensive overview of many of these methodologies while allowing for hands-on application through first-hand experience. This course will focus heavily on valuable skills desired by organizations invested in human centered design and the development of practical design solutions, both product and service based, for some of todays biggest issues. Students will learn qualitative and quantitative methodologies as well as visual and applied research. Whether intent on serving in design management or further development as a skilled designer, this course is for students who wish to have a deeper understanding of decision making in the design process. Learning Objectives 1. Students will become familiar with key design research methodology foundations while learning to define the problems and opportunities associated with the role that research plays in the field of design. 2. Develop skills in quantitative and qualitative research for design can play a role in the design process and how applied research can develop a solution and refine the results. 3. Understand the use of visualization as an important element in carrying out research activities including the development of ethnographies, systematic analyzation of found images and objects, and the elicitation of real time user data. 4. Learn to present design research in the form of a report and how to use design research in preparing a design brief.