Design Primer will help to increase the word count for the dissertation (1000-1500 words).
Images: use images as much as possible to support the written component and make references for the image. "Gestural interface and use of a wall-sized curved glass panel in the 2002 film Minority Report (dir Steven Spielberg)"
Citation/ References: not part of word count
Style of Writing: for a layperson
Formats: multipage PDF, Google Docs, Single page website
Photo Documentation: Go walk around and take photos on the spot
Consider testing: time, cost, and materials. Done over weeks and months
Visualising what you have gathered is to make the process explicit.
notice gaps in data
Small-scale testing can be done in a good old analogs system
Sketch and sketch and sketch!
Methodology
💡 What is design research and how is it different from other forms of research?
Scientific research requires prove (or disprove) of a hypothesis and what is the "right answer"
Design research will not really have the right answers, but it is about the what-ifs.
Search and find the potential possibilities and bring them closer to reality.
Bridging it to layman people who may not understand the concept.
Try not to show the obvious, but give a small step into something imaginary.
Categorising Design Research
Experimental research instead of social science research but design can be part of the research instead of an end product.
research can be the activity itself
don't be too open and broad
Are humans part of the users or audiences?
Historically, humans are usually audiences and can be codified into metrics to gauge receptivity to our messages.
a key change is the interactivity and usability of the design
slow decoupling of user research in the market
graphic design is more critical now
however, users are not 'dumb', they do express their choices beyond the media they consume instead of just blind followers.
This helps us understand our role(s) better and our relationship(s) with people that are part of our processes from start to end.
User research will become a discovery in a customer journey.
Framing your design question:
Reading- "What is a Research Question" and "The Routledge Companion to Research"
Research as....
the discovery of fundamental knowledge | evidence-based, scientific approach to the study of design. The intent of this approach is to describe, as factually as possible, what can be observed and measured about design and its effects. |
as knowledge gained about the application in design practice | systematic inquiry into the application of design theories on the effects of design. |
as knowledge that guides designers' decisions in executing work for a specific context or group of users | only goes far enough to suggest which of several possible directions the designer should take in addressing practical problems. Its intent is not to influence the practice of others but to clarify the most effective course of action on a particular project. |
Various ways design research can address interests:
How designers think
What people want and need
What the context demands
How design is planned, produced, and distributed
The consequences of design action
Tools and methods for studying these issues
What makes a good research question?
The wording of a research question implies a hierarchy among aspects of the research problem
Good research questions include definitions of terms.
Behind a research question there is a working theory that underpins the question.
Good research questions define a realistic scope of investigation.
Typically, research questions are followed by three to five sub-questions, that when addressed, contribute to the overall understanding of the primary question.
Good research questions anticipate how findings will be used and by whom.
it is not...
Rarely are design research questions something that can be answered simply by ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Similarly, when phrasing questions, researchers should be cautious about using comparative terms (such as better, improved, or more).
Research questions are not tasks to be executed
you can test your research within your peers to have a quick and dirty method so that you can see what to improve for the targeted audience.
try not to use too many methods, try one and see what you find
...so which to choose?
-readings "How to research" by Blaxter
The best advice in those cases is to step back from questions of methods [and tools] and give further consideration to the purposes and research questions, bearing in mind that the way questions are asked influences what needs to be done to answer them.
What do you need or want to find out?
What skills do you have?
Will your methodological preferences answer your questions?
How will your methods affect the answers you get?
How will you affect your research?
Which methods are acceptable?
Using more than one method
Survey Tips
vet the survey with lecturer
Pair methods with your aims
There are many different forms of surveys
Categories are important as they can influence responses and conversations.
In Singapore, many large sampling surveys have been done.
Other ways
Something realistic for small-scale student research can be a straw poll.
Interviews can be paired with secondary findings from Surveys that can help modify.
Elements that a necessary when reporting on a survey or when using it.
Interviews
Readings- 'Qualitative Interviewing' by Svend Brinkmann
Prepare properly the interview
objectives, questions
Some might regret as interviews have a huge amount of data
remember to audio/video record and then transcribe it so the data can be used!
Do not do standardised interviews with different persons
The Constructionist Approach of doing an interview
Vikas recommended this approach to us as we, the interviewers, are part of the interview. We are just not the external force or trying to fish a right answer from the interviewee. But instead, the interviewers have their own opinions and can participate in the conversation.
it is also good to reflect after the interview to gain insights.
Essential steps for interviewing
question
negotiation of meaning
clarification with interviewee
concrete description
interpretation
coda
conclusion
"make quick notes, exactly what the person said"
RPO Comments
Yasser commented that my research has to tackle an issue and it has to be clear
I would need to find an unconventional way of displaying the visuals and click stuff to connect each other
showing plant hoarders and creating a taxonomy of the plants they have
the user then can click on that plant and it will show what it is, price, and where it can be seen in other hoarders
"Let your findings guide your research"
Dissertation:
Design democratise the people.
Which part of CSR needs to address
Attributes of CSR and which factors can be implemented
Why CSR is the solution
How do I categorise people
Studio:
How Ikea is using hyperrealism to sell their products
Hyperrealism- how perfect a house
How plants can complete a house
Show the absurdity
The landing page of the repository can be abstract.
Comments