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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

The 16-week course meets on Fridays from September 4 through December 18, 2026. The topic sequence below is a working plan; detailed readings, exercises, and deadlines will be confirmed in the official syllabus.

Week 01Sep. 04
Lecture

Course Introduction:
What Is Design Research?

Before Class
  • [Prep] Review the course hub.
In Class
  • Course orientation
  • Research process overview
After Class
  • Identify an initial design research interest.
Stage & Project Stage 1: Frame Research question and scope Weeks 1–4
Week 02Sep. 11
Lecture

Research Contexts and Problems

Before Class
  • [Prep] Bring an initial research interest.
In Class
  • Context mapping
  • Problem exploration
After Class
  • Refine the research context.
Week 03Sep. 18
Lecture

Research Questions and Scope

Before Class
  • [Reading] Reading to be announced.
In Class
  • Question-framing exercise
  • Peer critique
After Class
  • Draft a focused research question.
Week 04Sep. 25Chuseok Holiday
Lecture

Background Research and Research Plans

Before Class
  • Bring a draft question and scope.
In Class
  • Background research
  • Research-plan studio
After Class
  • [Deliverable 1] (TBA) Submit the provisional research framing and plan.
Week 05Oct. 02
Lecture

Research Ethics and Consent

Before Class
  • [Reading] Ethics material to be announced.
In Class
  • Ethics cases
  • Consent-material workshop
After Class
  • Prepare participant-facing materials.
Stage & Project Stage 2: Study Method planning and fieldwork Weeks 5–9
Week 06Oct. 09Hangeul Day
Lecture

Interview Research

Before Class
  • [Prep] Draft an interview guide.
In Class
  • Interview practice
  • Guide critique
After Class
  • Revise the interview guide.
Week 07Oct. 16
Lecture

Observation and Contextual Inquiry

Before Class
  • [Reading] Method reading to be announced.
In Class
  • Observation exercise
  • Field-note practice
After Class
  • Finalize the fieldwork protocol.
Week 08Oct. 23
Lecture

Research Pilot and Method Critique

Before Class
  • Conduct a small research pilot.
In Class
  • Pilot review
  • Method revision
After Class
  • Begin primary fieldwork.
Week 09Oct. 30
Lecture

Fieldwork Studio

Before Class
  • Bring fieldwork progress and questions.
In Class
  • Research consultation
  • Evidence-quality check
After Class
  • [Deliverable 2] (TBA) Submit provisional fieldwork documentation.
Week 10Nov. 06
Lecture

Preparing Qualitative Data

Before Class
  • Organize collected research material.
In Class
  • Data preparation
  • Documentation review
After Class
  • Prepare evidence for analysis.
Stage & Project Stage 3: Synthesize Analysis and insight development Weeks 10–13
Week 11Nov. 13
Lecture

Coding and Pattern Finding

Before Class
  • [Reading] Analysis reading to be announced.
In Class
  • Coding exercise
  • Pattern clustering
After Class
  • Continue analysis.
Week 12Nov. 20
Lecture

From Patterns to Insights

Before Class
  • Bring emerging patterns.
In Class
  • Insight development
  • Evidence tracing
After Class
  • Draft insight statements.
Week 13Nov. 27
Lecture

Research Synthesis Critique

Before Class
  • Prepare insights and supporting evidence.
In Class
  • Synthesis critique
  • Gap identification
After Class
  • [Deliverable 3] (TBA) Submit the provisional synthesis and insight report.
Week 14Dec. 04
Lecture

Evidence-based Design Implications

Before Class
  • Bring confirmed insights.
In Class
  • Implication mapping
  • Concept direction critique
After Class
  • Develop the final research narrative.
Stage & Project Stage 4: Communicate Design implications and final report Weeks 14–16
Week 15Dec. 11
Lecture

Final Project Studio

Before Class
  • Bring the complete draft report and presentation.
In Class
  • Final consultation
  • Peer review
After Class
  • Revise and rehearse the final submission.
Week 16Dec. 18
Lecture

Final Research Presentation

Before Class
  • Finalize the report and presentation.
In Class
  • Final presentations
  • Course reflection
After Class
  • [Deliverable 4] (TBA) Submit the final research report and presentation.