Course content

The aim of the course is to give the student knowledge and competence in applied design research. The Department of Design has various research groups, strategic areas and labs, which define the academic framework within which the students will carry out their research projects. Through belonging to the Institute's research areas, the student gets to experience in practice how a design researcher works, and it also opens up access to the academic staff's current research projects. During the course, the student will develop and implement a longer, independent design project. The scope and content of the design project will be clarified with a supervisor.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The candidate...

• acquires up-to-date knowledge within the focus area the candidate chooses to delve into.
• gain knowledge of various applied methods and theory within the chosen area, and how this can be applied in a design research project.
• gain knowledge of what design research is in practice.
• gain knowledge of presenting design research to a research audience

Skills:

The candidate...

• through design research in practice have practiced their abilities within various research methods, such as professional debate, peer review, research production, writing, artistic development and discussion of ethical and technological dilemmas.
• through an independent project within a chosen focus area, have practiced the ability to discuss how theory and method are created and applied, as well as to reflect on own results and conclusions.
• can develop and implement a longer, independent design project
• document and communicate the results of the project work in a systematic and scientific way

General competence:

The candidate..

• can write a scientific text related to design research.
• can organize and carry out a project independently and can organize guidance from relevant subject teachers as needed.
• gain experience in experiencing opportunities as well as challenges related to free choice of topic and finding focus in the chosen project. Through this experience, the candidate should be better prepared for the master's thesis.

Learning methods and activities

• Lectures/Seminars
• Guidance

This course is offered to international master students. Language of instruction is English.

Compulsory assignments

• Oblig
• Oblig
• Oblig

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Students taking the course should have completed at least 60 credits of courses in design.

Required previous knowledge

Admission to study program required:

• Industrial design (MTDESIG)
• Design of services, technology and interaction (MDTS)

Course materials

Course material will be defined individually in collaboration with the supervisor.

Credit reductions