CDM2008: Design Research

This course introduces design research as a structured way to understand people, practices, contexts, and opportunities for design. Students learn to frame answerable research questions, select appropriate qualitative methods, conduct ethical fieldwork, organize and interpret evidence, and translate findings into clear design implications. A semester-long project provides repeated practice in planning, conducting, synthesizing, and communicating design research.

• Turn broad design interests into focused research questions, scopes, and plans.
• Select and apply appropriate qualitative methods while attending to ethics and research quality.
• Identify patterns, insights, and opportunities grounded in collected evidence.
• Present a transparent research process and connect findings to responsible design decisions.