VCDP 1135: Design Research
Effective date
January 2023
Department
Visual Comm Design Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Research is a critical component of the design process. Both primary and secondary research can be used to ensure that designers create work that speaks to the right audience and adequately serves the human needs they're aiming to address. In this course, students will survey various primary and secondary research methods often used in design projects, including qualitative and quantitative approaches. They will practice evaluating and interpreting research data and then put their research skills to work in the creation of a related design project.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss the importance of research in the design process
- Perform and analyze primary research, including surveys, interviews, and usability studies
- Perform secondary research using both academic and industry resources
- Describe the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Select appropriate and effective research methods for a design project and organize data from many research sources
- Critically evaluate, interpret and use research data in making design decisions
- Create a user persona based on primary or secondary research
- Discuss ethical issues in design research
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
1. Interview with department to discuss previous experience
2. A portfolio assessment of previously completed related work OR
3. The demonstration of skills via the successful completion of 1-4 related projects/assignments similar to those completed in the course, chosen at the discretion of the department
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 42
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 12
Total Hours: 54
Instructional Strategies
A combination of lecture, demonstration, production simulations, problem solving, practical labs and reflective discussion will be used throughout this course.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Evaluation Plan
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
Project
|
30
|
Final project
|
Assignments
|
30
|
Assignments
|
Lab Work
|
30
|
May include in-class exercises, assignments, quizzes/tests, and work-in-progress
|
Participation
|
10
|
Participation and professionalism
|
Course topics
- Design research
- Primary and secondary research
- Qualitative and quantitative research
- Surveys, interviews, focus groups, and usability studies
- Analytics
- Industry reports
- Data-based decision making
- User personas
- Ethical issues
- Research bias
- Critical thinking in research
- Working with diverse communities, including marginalized groups
- Participatory and co-design research
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/.
- To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.