Research Studio - User Centred Design

This unit will introduce students to the relationship between design and the importance of user centred design and the latter's impact on "design" project outcomes.  This unit will develop valuable strategies for researching and understanding audiences in the practice of design, as well as the social, symbolic and cultural contexts in which design operates.

After successfully completing this unit you should be able to:
•      Engage in investigative and research-based projects,
•      Develop a series of briefs which engage directly with project building which explores notions of user centred design,
•      Explore the relationship between a broader vision of research and design practice,
•      Consider how design can inform and inspire the development of new environments, products and services using new technologies to deliver social, environmental and economic advantage.
•      Explore the ethical and empirical challenges in gaining information from and about audiences.

 

 

 

Teaching is conducted in a student-centred studio environment, through lectures, group discussions, site visits, demonstrations and critiques. Students present their work to the group at the end of each project.

30% Class Reviews.  A number of submissions may be required during the course of the teaching period for review by the teaching staff and for presentation/discussion in class.  You are responsible for meeting all deadlines and for completing all preparatory work prior to the class for which it is required.

 

70% project work. Assessable work comprises discussed design deliverables, documented evidence of contextual research, concept development, design process and rationale, plus the appropriate application of software. Project briefs clearly define conceptual parameters, detailed design deliverables, assessment criteria, presentation formats and due dates but students are responsible for actively participating in this process to develop independently conceived projects and a sound understanding of assessment requirements. Formative feedback is given throughout the semester to allow students to develop their work for final submission. Assessment occurs at the end of the semester and is based on the submission of a body of research and a specified project brief.

The (five) Swinburne graduate attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching programs assist all its gradutes to be:

1.   Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas

2.   Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community

3.   Effective and ethical in work and community situations

4.   Adaptable and able to manage change

5.   Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural).

The unit covers recent developments in usability and user-centred design in the context of design either for print, screen, product or environment with a focus on exploratory, generative and evaluative methodologies including:

*   Ethnography

*   Interviewing

*   Direct and indirect observation

*   Self-documentation

*   Card sorting

*   Concept testing

*   Task flow analysis

*   Brand attribute testing

*   Low and high-fidelity prototype testing

*   Usability evaluation

 

Participants gain skills in design research methods and in accessing and interpreting socio-demographic information.