Course - In-depth Project in Research Groups - IDG4220
In-depth Project in Research Groups
New from the academic year 2026/2027
Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.
About
About the course
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 may be English.
Compulsory assignments
- Compose a scientific text
- Reflection and oral presentation
- Reflection report
Further on evaluation
Compulsory activities
- There are 3 mandatory work requirements:
- Compose a scientific text related to design research.
- Reflect on an independent design research project associated with continuous participation (80%) in the selected strategic area, research group, and laboratories. The student shall reflect upon the necessary development of personal skills and roles, and discuss how theory, practice, and methodology are formulated and applied within a design research project related to the chosen strategic area. This reflection is to be expressed through visual, tactile, physical, digital, and textual forms. Furthermore, individual results and conclusions must be discussed in light of the selected theoretical framework, practice, and methodology, concluding with an oral presentation.
- Document and communicate the results of the design research project in a systematic and scientific format. The dissemination shall employ visual, tactile, physical, digital, and textual means within the field of design research.
- All mandatory work requirements must be approved to deliver the design project.
Re-take of exam
- If failed, you are allowed to submit a new or revised exam next semester
- For voluntary course retake to improve grade, all assessments in the course must be retaken
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Design of Services, Technology and Interaction (MDTS)
Industrial Design Engineering (MTDESIG)
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
Hopkins, Rob (2019). From what is to what if, unleashing the power of imagination to create the future we want. White River Junction : Chelsea Green Publishing.
Utvalgte artikler og papers
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| IDG4898 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
Subject areas
- Design Methodology