Course - Design Research: Theory and Writing - TPD4505
Design Research: Theory and Writing
Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.
About
About the course
Course content
In this course, students are introduced to key approaches to design research, including research for, about and through design. The course enables students to develop advanced skills in academic reading, source-based and argumentative writing, as well as audience-oriented communication of design knowledge. Theory is understood as a malleable design material that is shaped through critical reading, precise use of concepts and systematic text work, and is connected to current design-related issues.
Through working with their own academic texts in selected genres, students expand their understanding of scientific, theoretical and methodological approaches in contemporary design, thereby strengthening their foundation for academic design research. Based on a self-chosen topic anchored in the department’s research and development projects, students develop a clear academic position and critical voice as designers.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:
- identify and analyse the theoretical landscape in and around a chosen area within design research, and understand how this shapes choices of methods, prototyping and ethics
- demonstrate familiarity with key scientific, theoretical and methodological approaches relevant to contemporary design practice and research
- understand principles of critical source evaluation across disciplines and source types, as well as basic research ethics and open science
Skills:
Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:
- formulate and justify an academic position within design research, and activate theory as design material in analysis and writing
- write academic texts in selected genres with correct use of sources and citation styles, transparently account for the use of AI, and adapt communication to different target audiences
- map, synthesise and critically evaluate literature across design and related fields, and justify choices of methods and prototypes
- provide and receive structured peer feedback and revise their own work based on responses received
General competence:
Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:
- reflect on their own academic position and discuss the societal implications of design research
- plan and carry out their own writing and inquiry processes with clear goals, milestones and documented progression
- communicate design-related insights in relevant formats in accordance with principles of open science
Learning methods and activities
- Lectures and writing workshops
- Individual and group supervision
- Peer review
- Submission of assignments during the course
Further on evaluation
The portfolio contains seven mandatory elements:
- Meta-reflection (1000-1200 words)
- Three texts from Module 1
- Four texts from Module 2
- Position sketch (300-500 words)
- Module 3 text in chosen genre
- List of self-selected reading with annotations (3-5 texts)
- Short reflection on peer feedback work (300-400 words)
The total scope of the portfolio is approximately 6500-8000 words depending on the chosen final genre. Fixed elements (meta-reflection, texts from Module 1 and 2, position sketch, reflection on peer feedback work, and self-selected reading with annotations) constitute approximately 5000 words.
The overall assessment of the portfolio takes the development through the semester as its starting point, not only the final product. Development and progression are primarily made visible in the meta-reflection, where the student explicitly reflects on how the texts from Module 1 and 2 have built towards the Module 3 text, how their research position has matured, and how the peer feedback work has influenced their own work. The short reflection on peer feedback work documents the process in the response groups. Together with the meta-reflection, these two elements constitute the reflective basis that enables the examiner to assess process and progression, not only the finished text.
Everything is submitted together at the end of the semester. Students submit the entire portfolio as one document for assessment. The texts are written during the semester, but no formal submission takes place before the end of the semester.
The form and scope of supervision.
- Instructor supervision in the writing workshop
- Specialization sessions
- Response/peer feedback groups
One deadline at the end of the semester. Individual, digital submission. The entire portfolio is assessed.
If you do not pass, you may submit a new or revised portfolio in the following semester.·
If you wish to retake the course voluntarily to improve your grade, the entire course must be taken again.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Industrial Design Engineering (MTDESIG)
Required previous knowledge
Students taking this course must have completed the 4th year of the Industrial Design programme (MTDESIG).
Course materials
Required reading will be announced at the start of the semester
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| IDG4320 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
Subject areas
- Product Design Engineering - Design Methodology
- Eco Design
- Design Strategies
- Design Methodology
- Interaction Design
Contact information
Course coordinator
Lecturers
- Andre Liem
- Ashis Jalote Parmar
- Brita Fladvad Nielsen
- Casparus Burghardus Boks
- Ida Nilstad Pettersen
- Jon Herman Rismoen
- Marikken Høiseth
- Martin Høgh Olsen
- Martina Maria Keitsch
- Mattheus Bernardus van Dijk
- Ole Andreas Alsos
- Trond Are Øritsland