Module Code - Title:
PD4053
-
DESIGN RESEARCH IN PRACTICE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To develop skills and an understanding of user-centred design research with particular emphasis on primary research methods. The students will be able to put into practice the primary and secondary research methods introduced in a class/studio setting. Ethnographic methods will underpin the module. Students will learn to analyse and synthesis findings, to understand user needs in the design process.
Syllabus:
The following is an outline of topics covered:
- Tools and processes for user-centred design research.
- Primary and secondary research methods.
- Ethnographic research methods.
- Analysis and synthesis of findings.
- Filtering criteria for user needs.
- Data mapping.
- Design Guide/Specification development.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:
- Understand the principles of user-centred design research.
- Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research theory and methodologies.
- Interpret findings from qualitative research to compile a Design Guide/Specification.
- Analyse contemporary research methods as used in professional practice.
- Apply theoretical readings to practice-based execution and evaluation.
- Apply the principles of user-centred design through a research project.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, the students will be able to:
- Co-operate effectively in teams.
- Build empathy with users to understand explicit user needs.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught in a class/studio-based environment with project-based learning at the core. Learning outcomes are embedded within this practice-based approach.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
ULRICH, K., & EPPINGER, S. (1995)
Product Design and Development
, New York, McGraw-Hill
IDEO ()
Human Centred Design Toolkit.
, IDEO online publication
ANGROSINO, M. (2007)
Doing Ethnographic and Observational Research (Qualitative Research Kit)
, SAGE
Other Relevant Texts:
MCCANDLESS, David (2009)
Information is Beautiful
, London: Collins Press
LAUREL, B. (2003)
Design Research: Methods and Perspectives
, Cambridge, MIT PRESS
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSPDTEUFA - PRODUCT DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
bernard.hartigan@ul.ie