Module manager: Jade Halbert
Email: j.halbert@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
DESN2287 Research Methods
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module introduces the broad range of established methodologies and theoretical frameworks used in design research. Via a hybrid approach that balances both practical and intellectual elements, you are provided with the knowledge, skills, and tools to independently and confidently explore design research relevant to your own specific disciplinary contexts and individual interests, and to problem-solve and contextualise research for a range of real-world design applications.
This module aims to expand students’ understanding of design studies and to equip them with the knowledge and research skills to explore the subject according to their own specific disciplinary and individual interests. Its objectives are:
1. To introduce students to the key principles of design studies as a subject for research
2. To provide students with the methodological tools (practical and intellectual) to confidently undertake independent and innovative research in design
3. To enable students in the development of research solutions appropriate to disciplinary context and individual interests
4. Structured around specific methods in weekly blocks, the module’s learning activities are comprised of a dynamic mix of the intellectual and the practical delivered via lectures, seminars, and workshops.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Experiment with a diverse range of design research methods and theoretical frameworks
2. Critically reflect on the strengths and limitations of research methods
3. Demonstrate understanding of research methods and analysis of research data appropriate to design studies
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Present ideas clearly through written, visual and verbal communication skills
5. Apply responsible and sensitive approaches to diverse cultural and interdisciplinary global contexts in developing research
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Lecture | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Practical | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Seminar | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Independent online learning hours | 24 | ||
| Private study hours | 140 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 36 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will informally present work for individual and peer formative feedback throughout the module, in both seminars through class discussion, and in smaller-scale online supervision sessions with peers and supervisors
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Research file | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team