Design Research: Theory and Writing

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.

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

• Lectures and writing workshops
• Individual and group supervision
• Peer review
• Submission of assignments during the course