Empirical Design Research

This is an IPD programme course.

This course provides students with a foundation in mixed methods design research and a framework of theoretical concepts and paradigms for rationalising, designing and conducting high quality empirical research, from instrumental research (for design) to scientific research (about/for/with design). It builds on and significantly extends the BSc Research for Design (IOB2-3) by introducing students to different epistemological paradigms such as empiricism, rationalism and perspectivism.

The course employs an inquiry-based learning approach to introduce, practice and reflect on key research methods that encompass the diverse projects undertaken by IPD students during their design research projects. Case studies will be selected from the existing literature toprovide students with relevant assignments and motivation.

Throughout the course, students will evaluate and discuss the appropriateness of various research methods in relation to the underlying research question, context, or objective. In addition, students learn to combine quantitative and qualitative approaches to meaningfully plan and conduct research to examine evidence, test hypotheses, or develop theory appropriate to a given context, design stage, and research question.

Following are the key topics for this course:

• Fundamentals of Empirical Design Research

• Research Validity, Bias, and Ethics

• Qualitative Research

• Quantitative Research

• Mixed Method Research

The study goals of this course will be assessed by an individual written exam (100%).

Summative Assessment (100%): The final in-person, on-campus written examination will consist of a mixture of multiple choice and open-ended questions. The weekly assignments are designed to prepare students for the final exam.

Formative Assessment: Students will be given weekly assignments along with suggested readings (articles, case studies, etc.). Students will be expected to work on these assignments in a self directed manner. They will be provided with solutions to these assignments in the following week. In addition, weekly hands-on sessions after lectures, where instructors organise discussions on similar (but different) problems to the bi-weekly assignment, provide students with opportunities for formative feedback.