This course grounds students in theoretical and methodological issues at the intersection of design and research. It contextualises contemporary design discourse and practice, and their relation to knowledge, research and production. Practice-led studio research results in creative explorations in design, such as a design project, a portfolio of theoretical designs or crafted objects, or an exploration of design technologies. This creative investigation is based on research processes that involve identifying research questions, undertaking a theoretical and contextual review, gathering and analysing data, and identifying, applying, and describing methodologies and methods. A written research proposal and oral presentation allows for a clear articulation of the development of the research and processes undertaken.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. navigate and contextualise contemporary design discourses and practices;
2. demonstrate an understanding of key theoretical and methodological 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; and
5. document and critically reflect on design processes and creative investigations.

Field Trips

If a field trip is scheduled, students will be informed early in the semester and will have

sufficient time to plan transport options (locations will be accessible via public transport).

Additional Course Costs

Students may incur additional costs as part of their individual project development. Costs will depend on the scale of the individual project.

Depending on which workshop/s you may like to access as part of your project development, you may need to pay a workshop fee. Additionally, in order to produce

models (to scale or 1:1) at Makerspace you will be required to purchase materials in accordance with the ANU Makerspace policy (what you pay for and make you keep).

AFTER HOURS ACCESS

Students have the option to obtain After hours Access to workshop and studio spaces outside of class delivery. After hours Access is defined as access to workshop and studio spaces outside of business hours between 6.00pm and 10:00pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 4pm Saturday - Sunday. It is afforded to students by paying an After hours Access Fee each semester.

For further information and to Pay Materials and Access Fees go to: https://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees  

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures

and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and

collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning

Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

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

• verbal feedback and consultations
• formal assessment feedback
• students are encouraged to seek additional feedback throughout the semester

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction: Course overview, and review of assessment items. Understanding Design Research: Framing the Research Question.
2	Designing Design Research: Introducing Research Paradigms, Epistemology, Methodology, Methods of Data Collection, Methods of Data Analysis.Navigating Annotated Bibliographies: Literature and Sources, Referencing.
3	Ethics in Design Research: Contexts, Communities and Impact.Developing the Research Question.Constructing a Research Project Timeline.
4	Mapping Design Research: Background and Context, Aims and Objectives, Significance, Scope and Limitations, Literature and Contextual Review, Studio Practice.Developing the Research Question.
5	Concepts and Methods: Research Data Collection	Assessment 1: Annotated Bibliography Wattle submission
6	Concepts and Methods: Research Data Analysis
7	Investigating Research with Rigour.Reflective Practice in Research.Developing the Research Question.
8	Project Contexts and Exemplars: Visualising Research Concepts
9	Drafting, Editing and Revising
10	Drafting, Editing and Revising	Assessment 2: Design Research Project Proposal Wattle submission
11	Developing the Project Presentation.
12	Project Development Presentation in class. Project Reflection.	Assessment 3: Project Development Presentation in class and Wattle submission

Tutorial Registration

N/A

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Annotated Bibliography	25 %	19/03/2025	1,3,5
Design Research Project Proposal	50 %	07/05/2025	1,2,3,4,5
Project Development Presentation	25 %	21/05/2025	2,3,4,5

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Skills website. 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 six scholarly research sources (journal articles, conference papers, academic text chapters) that are relevant to your planned Honours research project. Prepare an annotated bibliography that demonstrates your ability to navigate and interpret relevant design research materials.

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
• Reference each source utilising appropriate academic referencing style

Word length: 1500 words

Online Submission Requirements: Submit your work to the submission point on Wattle by 5pm on day of week 5 scheduled class.

Estimated return date: Marks will be resolved within two weeks

Assessment Criteria: Individual Assessment. Refer to Rubric

Rubric

	HIGH DISTINCTION (80-100)	DISTINCTION (70-79)	CREDIT (60-69)	PASS (50-59)	UNSATISFACTORY (0-49)
Navigate and contextualise contemporary design discourses and practices (40%) Learning Outcomes: LO1	Exemplary exploration and contextualisation of contemporary design discourses, methods and practices. Highly diverse selection of scholarly research sources appropriate to the field of enquiry.	High level of exploration and contextualisation of contemporary design discourses, methods and practices. Diverse selection of scholarly research sources appropriate to the field of enquiry.	Good level of exploration and contextualisation of contemporary design discourses, methods and practices. Good selection of scholarly research sources appropriate to the field of enquiry.	Satisfactory level of exploration and contextualisation of contemporary design discourses, methods and practices. Adequate selection of scholarly research sources appropriate to the field of enquiry.	Limited level of exploration and contextualisation of contemporary design discourses, methods and practices Insufficient selection of scholarly research sources appropriate to the field of enquiry.
Critically analyse and interpret research in, for and through design (30%) Learning Outcomes: LO3	Exemplary and insightful critical analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	High level of critical analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	Good level of critical analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	Satisfactory analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	Limited analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.
Effectively communicate, document, and critically reflect on design processes and creative investigations (30%) Learning Outcomes: LO5	Structure of work presented and submitted reflects exemplary organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is highly refined, professional, and presents a logical, coherent, and reflective argument. Exemplary standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Structure of work presented and submitted reflects high level organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is professional, succinct, and presents a logical, coherent, and reflective argument. Professional standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Structure of work presented and submitted reflects a good level of organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is developing and presents a logical, coherent, and reflective argument. Competence in English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Structure of work presented and submitted reflects adequate organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is developing. Acceptable standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Structure of work presented and submitted lacks organisation and coherence. Academic writing style lacks professionalism. Unsatisfactory standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.

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:

• Title
• Table of contents
• List of figures
• Context and background
• Research question
• Aims and objectives
• Significance and value
• Scope and limitations
• Brief outline of literature/ theoretical review that has been undertaken to date
• Brief outline of contextual/ practitioner review of practitioners working in the field of research
• Methodology/ ies
• Methods - including any practice-based studio methods undertaken and/or proposed
• Project plan/timeline to completion
• In-text citations and reference list

Word length: 2500 - 3000 words

Online Submission Requirements: Submit your work to the submission point on Wattle by 5pm on day of week 10 scheduled class.

Estimated return date: Marks will be resolved within two weeks

Assessment Criteria: Individual Assessment. Refer to Rubric

Rubric

	HIGH DISTINCTION (80-100)	DISTINCTION (70-79)	CREDIT (60-69)	PASS (50-59)	UNSATISFACTORY (0-49)
Navigate and contextualise contemporary design discourses and practices (20%) Learning Outcomes: LO1	Exemplary exploration and contextualisation of contemporary design discourses, methods and practices. Highly diverse selection of scholarly research sources appropriate to the field of enquiry.	High level of exploration and contextualisation of contemporary design discourses, methods and practices. Diverse selection of scholarly research sources appropriate to the field of enquiry.	Good level of exploration and contextualisation of contemporary design discourses, methods and practices. Good selection of scholarly research sources appropriate to the field of enquiry.	Satisfactory level of exploration and contextualisation of contemporary design discourses, methods and practices. Adequate selection of scholarly research sources appropriate to the field of enquiry.	Limited level of exploration and contextualisation of contemporary design discourses, methods and practices Insufficient selection of scholarly research sources appropriate to the field of enquiry.
Understand key theoretical models of design practice in relation to research (20%) Learning Outcomes: LO2	Exemplary understanding of key theoretical models of design practice and ability to locate the research project in the field of research.	High level of understanding of key theoretical models of design practice and ability to locate the research project in the field of research.	Good level of understanding of key theoretical models of design practice and ability to locate the research project in the field of research.	Satisfactory level of understanding of key theoretical models of design practice and ability to locate the research project in the field of research.	Limited understanding of key theoretical models of design practice and ability to locate the research project in the field of research.
Critically analyse and interpret research in, for and through design (20%) Learning Outcomes: LO3	Exemplary and insightful critical analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	High level of critical analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	Good level of critical analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	Satisfactory analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	Limited analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.
Apply relevant theories and methods to formulate a design research project (20%) Learning Outcomes: LO4	Exemplary and insightful application of relevant theories, methodologies and methods to formulate a design research project.	High level application of relevant theories, methodologies and methods to formulate a design research project.	Good application of relevant theories, methodologies and methods to formulate a design research project.	Satisfactory application of relevant theories, methodologies and methods to formulate a design research project.	Insufficient application of relevant theories, methodologies and methods to formulate a design research project.
Effectively communicate, document, and critically reflect on design processes and creative investigations (20%) Learning Outcomes: LO5	Structure of work presented and submitted reflects exemplary organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is highly refined, professional, and presents a logical, coherent, and reflective argument. Exemplary standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Structure of work presented and submitted reflects high level organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is professional, succinct, and presents a logical, coherent, and reflective argument. Professional standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Structure of work presented and submitted reflects a good level of organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is developing and presents a logical, coherent, and reflective argument. Competence in English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Structure of work presented and submitted reflects adequate organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is developing. Acceptable standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Structure of work presented and submitted lacks organisation and coherence. Academic writing style lacks professionalism. Unsatisfactory standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.

Assessment Task 3

Project Development Presentation

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.

Include a brief outline of:

• Context and background
• Research question
• Aims and objectives
• Significance and value
• Scope and limitations
• Key literature and practitioners in the field
• Methodology/ ies,
• Methods - including any practice-based studio methods undertaken and/or proposed.
• Project plan/timeline to completion

Reflect on your thinking and its changes in direction, focusing on critical moments of insight, realisations, discoveries, encounters or discussions. Consider:

• What have you achieved so far?
• What issues have you encountered?
• What areas need to be improved upon?
• What are potential future issues you can foresee in your research?

In Class Presentation: Week 12 - Maximum of 15 minutes / Maximum of 15 slides

Online Submission Requirements: Submit your work to the submission point on Wattle prior to commencement of week 12 scheduled class.

Estimated return date: Marks will be resolved within two weeks

Assessment Criteria: Individual Assessment. Refer to Rubric

Rubric

	HIGH DISTINCTION (80-100)	DISTINCTION (70-79)	CREDIT (60-69)	PASS (50-59)	UNSATISFACTORY (0-49)
Understand key theoretical models of design practice in relation to research (20%) Learning Outcomes: LO2	Exemplary understanding of key theoretical models of design practice and ability to locate the research project in the field of research.	High level of understanding of key theoretical models of design practice and ability to locate the research project in the field of research.	Good level of understanding of key theoretical models of design practice and ability to locate the research project in the field of research.	Satisfactory level of understanding of key theoretical models of design practice and ability to locate the research project in the field of research.	Limited understanding of key theoretical models of design practice and ability to locate the research project in the field of research.
Critically analyse and interpret research in, for and through design (20%) Learning Outcomes: LO3	Exemplary and insightful critical analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	High level of critical analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	Competent analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	Satisfactory analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.	Limited analysis and evaluation of research and theories underpinning contemporary design culture.
Apply relevant theories and methods to formulate a design research project (20%) Learning Outcomes: LO4	Exemplary and insightful application of relevant theories, methodologies and methods to formulate a design research project.	High level application of relevant theories, methodologies and methods to formulate a design research project.	Good application of relevant theories, methodologies and methods to formulate a design research project.	Satisfactory application of relevant theories, methodologies and methods to formulate a design research project.	Insufficient application of relevant theories, methodologies and methods to formulate a design research project.
Effectively present, communicate, document, and critically reflect on design processes and creative investigations (40%) Learning Outcomes: LO5	Excellent visual and oral communication techniques in presentations to engage the audience. Structure of work presented and submitted reflects exemplary organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is highly refined, professional, and presents a logical, coherent argument. Exemplary standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Professional visual and oral communication techniques in presentations to engage the audience. Structure of work presented and submitted reflects high level organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is professional, succinct, and presents a logical, coherent argument. Professional standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Effective visual and oral communication techniques in presentations to engage the audience. Structure of work presented and submitted reflects a good level of organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is developing and presents a logical, coherent argument. Competence in English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Satisfactory visual and oral communication techniques in presentations to engage the audience. Structure of work presented and submitted reflects adequate organisation and coherence. Academic writing style is developing. Acceptable standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.	Limited visual and oral communication techniques in presentations to engage the audience. Structure of work presented and submitted lacks organisation and coherence. Academic writing style lacks professionalism. Unsatisfactory standard of English conventions (expression, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure) and academic referencing.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

Submission requirements will be detailed on Wattle. 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.

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.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Students will take works with them following assessment.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students