Module Code - Title:
PD6003
-
DESIGN PROJECT
Year Last Offered:
2024/5
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This is the final module in a series of three design research modules which builds towards the completion of a substantial design project to master's degree standard.
The purpose of this module is to:
• Facilitate the student in defining and organising a selected research project topic;
• Promote the student's ability to direct their own project work;
• Provide familiarity with collecting and synthesising data from relevant sources to inform and provide context to the research;
• Obtain deeper insight into the topic selected by the student;
• Promote the integration and application of elements from previously studied modules;
• Encourage the student to develop effective working relationships with stakeholders that contribute to the project research;
• Develop the student's ability to present their work appropriately and effectively.
Syllabus:
This student undertakes a substantial project to master's degree standard supervised by an assigned faculty member. The satisfactory completion of the project requires the student to present their own work, and to demonstrate the ability to investigate the chosen topic independently by displaying a mastery of the literature and research relevant to the research topic and ability to apply the skills they have acquired over the previous two semesters, and to analyse and reflect on their work.
In preparation for the module, the problem should be clearly defined and design objectives developed, with accompanying rationale, as a preparatory step for this module.
This module will develop skills in research and academic writing. Students are expected to produce, in parallel with their project work, a thesis capable of generating, exploring and communicating many aspects of the design project.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
The students are expected to demonstrate the ability toward project completion.
On completion of this programme students will be able to:
• Critical exploration of relevant texts to acquire knowledge and perspective,
• Incorporation of feedback from academic, and professional where applicable, groups in order to develop a better understanding of the project area and an approach to the project,
• Apply design research methodologies and other related skills to define the scope and content of a project,
• Completion of a design project to an acceptable level,
• Evaluation of initial project goals and individual contribution leading to the completion of the project,
• Synthesis all of the above in the form of a high-quality document consistent with academic standards in terms of format, structure, language and referencing.
• Presentation before an audience, responding to questions and integrating feedback into the project.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this programme students will be able to:
• Initiate and continue self-directed research into complex fields of interest,
• Engage in critical, constructive dialogues through openly sharing insights and questions,
• Recognize outcomes of value to their research project,
• Be able to defend their project/research in discussion.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
NA
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be delivered through studio based teaching, involving group and independent teaching, tutoring, discussion, criticism, project work and experimental learning. The students will perform primary and secondary research in the field relevant to their thesis, and realise the design embodiment via design practice in the studio.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Muratovski, G. (2016)
Research for designers : A guide to methods and practice.
, Sage Publications
Murray, R., & Moore, S. (2006)
The handbook of academic writing : A fresh approach.
, Open University Press
Bailey, S. (2015)
Academic writing a handbook for international students
, Routledge
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Summer
Module Leader:
Louise.Kiernan@ul.ie