Methods of Investigation
Unit code: ADAGD214
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Contact hours | 36 per semester |
| Campus | Prahran |
Related course(s)
This unit is studied within the Associate Degree of Applied Graphic Design.
Aims and objectives
This unit emphasises contextual investigations as integral to solving practical design problems. It explores how a
designer might generate and apply information to design, introducing the skills and literacies fundamental to design
research. Students will undertake informed design development and the exploration of research potential within a
design brief.
designer might generate and apply information to design, introducing the skills and literacies fundamental to design
research. Students will undertake informed design development and the exploration of research potential within a
design brief.
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
1. Explore a variety of methods for investigating the context for a design brief;
2. Prepare a justifiable design proposal based on contextual research;
3. Use evidence, analysis and argument in the preparation of a visual and written report;
4. Participate in online critical discussions, postings and peer support;
5. Understand the relationship between investigative method and design decisions;
6. Work in groups and independently to produce a visual and written design presentation.
1. Explore a variety of methods for investigating the context for a design brief;
2. Prepare a justifiable design proposal based on contextual research;
3. Use evidence, analysis and argument in the preparation of a visual and written report;
4. Participate in online critical discussions, postings and peer support;
5. Understand the relationship between investigative method and design decisions;
6. Work in groups and independently to produce a visual and written design presentation.
This unit will be taught at the Prahran campus.
Teaching methods
36 hours of structured learning, including lectures, tutorials and assessments. In addition, the units require
approximately 72 hours of self-study, projects, assignments and skills development.
approximately 72 hours of self-study, projects, assignments and skills development.
Assessment
Visually - Annotated Bibliography Individual 30%
Field Data Individual 40%
Final Proposal and Documentation Individual 30%
Field Data Individual 40%
Final Proposal and Documentation Individual 30%
Generic skills outcomes
Students will receive feedback on their progress in attaining the following key generic skills:
• analysis skills,
• problem solving skills,
• communications skills,
• ability to tackle unfamiliar problems, and
• ability to work independently.
• analysis skills,
• problem solving skills,
• communications skills,
• ability to tackle unfamiliar problems, and
• ability to work independently.
Content
Students will be introduced to various facets of investigation for design, which may include:
• Introduction to academic skills;
• Varied research methods;
• Justification of investigative methods, interpretative frameworks and design decision-making processes;
• Creative techniques for exploring design problems;
• Ethical issues relating to research investigation and team-work.
• Introduction to academic skills;
• Varied research methods;
• Justification of investigative methods, interpretative frameworks and design decision-making processes;
• Creative techniques for exploring design problems;
• Ethical issues relating to research investigation and team-work.
Reading materials
Heller, S & Vienne, V Citizen Designer: Perspectives on Design Responsibility, Allworth Press, New York.
Sudjic, D 2008, The Language of Things, Allen Lane, London.
Jedlicka, W 2010, Sustainable graphic design : tools, systems, and strategies for innovative print design, John Wiley &
Sons, Hoboken, N.J.
Sudjic, D 2008, The Language of Things, Allen Lane, London.
Jedlicka, W 2010, Sustainable graphic design : tools, systems, and strategies for innovative print design, John Wiley &
Sons, Hoboken, N.J.
