This course grounds students in theoretical and methodological issues at the intersection of design and research. It contextualises contemporary design discourse and practice, with a focus on changing models of the field and its relations to knowledge, research and production. Case studies elaborate on research in, through and for design, introducing students to theoretical models and methods that will support their own design research projects.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Navigate and contextualise contemporary design discourses and practices
2. Understand key theoretical models of design practice in relation to research
3. Critically analyse and interpret research in, for and through design
4. Apply relevant theories and methods to formulate a design research project

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction: Understanding Design Research Articulating the Research Question
2	Mapping Design Practice and Research	Activity: Research question check-in
3	Design Knowledges and Epistemologies
4	Finding and Navigating Design Research	Activity: Research question check-in
5	Reading and Interpreting Design Research - Concepts and Methods	Activity: students assign readings based on their literature searches
6	Reading and Interpreting Design Research - Contexts, Communities and Impact	Activity: students assign readings based on their ltierature searches Activity: Research question check-in Annotated Bibliography due in non-teaching period
7	Mapping Design Research Methods and Methodologies	Activity: Research question check-in
8	Designing Design Research - Project Proposal Development Drawing and Digramming: Visualising Research Concepts
9	Project Contexts, Exemplars and Comparators	Activity: students assign readings based on their developing project proposals
10	Working with Ideas: Drafting, Editing and Revising	Activity: Research question check-in
11	Project Proposal - in class presentation	Project Proposal due
12	Project Development Presentation - In class Reflection and wrap-up	Project Development Presentation

Tutorial Registration

N/A

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Annotated Bibliography	30 %	07/04/2021	21/04/2021	1,3
Design Research Project Proposal	50 %	19/05/2021	02/06/2021	1,2,3,4
Project Development Presentation	20 %	26/05/2021	16/06/2021	3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Annotated Bibliography

Identify and analyse three design research papers (journal articles or conference papers) that are relevant to your planned Honours research. Prepare an annotated bibliography that demonstrates your ability to navigate and interpret design research.

For each paper:

• Describe the research outcomes
• Identify and describe the research methods used
• Identify the forms or models of knowledge (epistemologies) used 
• Describe the researchers, stakeholders, context and community 
• Evaluate the significance of the research
• Identify any research impact or application

?Word length: 1500 - 2000 words

Assessment Criteria

Your assignment will be assessed on its demonstration of your ability to:

1. Navigate and contextualise contemporary design discourses and practices
2. Critically analyse and interpret research in, for and through design
3. Effectively communicate and present written analysis

Assessment Task 2

Design Research Project Proposal

Drawing on your work in this class as well as discussions with your Honours supervisor, develop a project proposal for your Honours research. Your proposal should include the following components:

• Context and Background - outline the relevant existing research (in design and beyond) that informs and contextualises your proposal
• Research Question - what is the key focus of the research?
• Significance and Currency - what is the importance or value of this research? Why is it important or valuable here and now?
• Methodology and Methods - how will you conduct this research? Show how this approach is suitable for the planned investigation.

Project Plan - outline a timeline of the key activities and outcomes of the project

Word length: 2000 - 3000 words

Presentation requirements: Prepare an informal presentation of your proposal to share in class in Week 11

Assessment Criteria

Your assignment will be assessed on its demonstration of your ability to:

1. Navigate and contextualise contemporary design discourses and practices
2. Understand key theoretical models of design practice in relation to research
3. Apply relevant theories and methods to formulate a design research project
4. Effectively communicate and present a design research project

Assessment Task 3

Project Development Presentation

Based on the regular research question ‘check-ins’ throughout the course, prepare a presentation that accounts for the development of your research project. Using no more than 15 minutes and 15 slides, recount the development of your project through the semester. Reflect on your thinking and its changes in direction, focusing on critical moments of insight, realisations, discoveries, encounters or discussions. Finish your proposal with a concise account of your proposed project: its question, aims and methods.

Your presentation will be assessed based on both your reflective understanding of your research path, and your ability to concisely and effectively present your work in person.

Time limit: 15 minutes / 15 slides

Assessment Criteria

Your presentation will be assessed on the following criteria:

1. Demonstrated ability to formulate, develop and describe a design research project
2. Demonstrated reflection on learning and research development
3. Effective visual, written and verbal communication

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students