All courses
Yonsei 2026-Fall | Bokyung Lee Upcoming

CDM2008: Design Research

Design research turns questions about people, contexts, and experiences into evidence that can guide responsible design decisions. This course introduces a systematic process for framing research, selecting qualitative methods, conducting fieldwork, synthesizing findings, and communicating actionable insights.

Class time
Friday(s), time to be announced
Location
To be announced
Instructor
Prof. Bokyung Lee
Language
English
Course roadmap

A learning journey from seeing to integrating

The semester follows four connected stages: framing a focused question, planning and conducting ethical fieldwork, synthesizing evidence, and communicating design implications. Detailed readings and activities remain provisional until the official syllabus is published.

Design Research ProcessStages 1–4
Project 1

Project 1: Design Research Study

Semester Project · Format to be announced

Develop a focused research question, plan and conduct ethical qualitative research, synthesize the resulting evidence, and communicate grounded insights and design implications.

Learning Goal:

  • Define an appropriate research scope and question.
  • Select methods that fit the question and context.
  • Document evidence and analytical decisions transparently.
  • Develop insights and implications supported by evidence.

Format

  1. Frame

    Define the research context, question, participants, and plan.

  2. Fieldwork

    Collect qualitative evidence using approved research methods.

  3. Synthesize

    Organize evidence, identify patterns, and develop insights.

  4. Communicate

    Present the process, findings, limitations, and design implications.

Project unit

The individual or team format will be announced before the project begins. All research must follow the course's ethical and consent requirements.

Grade breakdown

DeliverableFocusWeight
Deliverable #1Research framing and planTBA
Deliverable #2Fieldwork documentationTBA
Deliverable #3Synthesis and insightsTBA
Deliverable #4Final report and presentationTBA

Key evaluation criteria

  • Research coherence: The question, method, evidence, and conclusions form a clear and defensible chain.
  • Evidence quality: Claims are grounded in appropriately collected and documented material.
  • Ethical practice: The project demonstrates respect for participants, consent, privacy, and limitations.
  • Clarity of communication: The research process and implications are communicated clearly and transparently.