Methods for Design Research
Overview
This unit prepares students for creative and qualitative research in academic and practical contexts. It introduces principles and methods for qualitative data collection, analysis, and the generation of reliable knowledge to tackle complex design issues. Emphasizing relevance and rigor, the unit covers research design, data interpretation, and effective communication of findings. Additionally, it examines how research shapes ethical, inclusive, and socially responsive design outcomes. Students learn research ethics to apply sound judgment, fairness, and intellectual integrity in their research practices.
Requisites
300 credit points in one of the following: BH-DESCMN2 Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Hons) or BH-DESIND1 Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) (Hons) or BH-DESINA Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture) (Hons)
OR
Admission into one of the following programs: GC-DESG Graduate Certificate of Design, GD-DESG Graduate Diploma of Design, MA-DESG Master of Design, MA-ARC Master of Architecture.
31-May-2026
31-May-2026
Unit learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Formulate a clear and focused research question in response to a defined design objective
- Synthesise information from relevant literature through a critical and intellectually disciplined process to identify a research question
- Develop an appropriate research design by selecting and justifying methods from qualitative, creative, or user-centred research approaches
- Analyse qualitative data rigorously and meaningfully, demonstrating sound reasoning and drawing conclusions with clear implications for design practice
- Apply the highest standards of ethical research conduct, including accountability, beneficence, informed consent, confidentiality and respect for participants
- Prepare a research-informed design proposal that effectively communicates research findings to identify a design direction
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Activity Type | Activity | Total Hours | Number of Weeks | Hours Per Week | Venue Type and Activity Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus | Studio | 36 | 12 weeks | 3 | General Purpose Mac Computer Lab |
| On-campus | Studio | 36 | 12 weeks | 3 | |
| Unspecified Activities | Readings | 50 | 12 weeks | 4.17 | |
| Unspecified Activities | Independent Learning | 178 | 12 weeks | 14.83 | |
| Total Hours: | 300 | Total Hours (per week): | 25 | ||
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis | Individual | 20% | 3,4,5 |
| Literature Review | Individual | 15-20% | 1,2 |
| Research Assignment 1 | Individual | 5% | 1,3,5 |
| Research Assignment 2 | Individual | 5-10% | 3,5 |
| Research Report | Individual | 50% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Content
- Principles of qualitative research and their relevance and application to design practice.
- Searching for and analysing published sources; using critical literature synthesis to establish what is known about a topic and to frame a small research project and its questions.
- Research design and select methods for creative and user-centred design research.
- Principles of ethical research conduct, including accountability, beneficence, confidentiality, informed consent and respect for human participants.
- Approaches to qualitative data analysis and the interpretation, translation and compelling presentation of research findings.
- Academic and professional writing conventions, including referencing.
- Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
- Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.