DESIGN RESEARCH METHODOLOGY - Assignment 1 [Research Proposal]

30.8.2022 - 20.9.2022 (Week 1 - Week 4)
Loh Qiao Yin / 0348923 
Design Research Methodology/ Bachelor of Design in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Assignment 1
[Research Proposal]

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LECTURES

Week 1
What is research?
- self-directed work in the pursuit of knowledge
- focus on the area of self-interest
- organised and creative investigation to identify facts and draw new conclusions

Why?
- prevents one from limiting themselves with only existing knowledge 
- explore research techniques
- defines personal interest and career direction

Week 2
Problem statement
- gap between current state and desired state of a process or product
- description of an issue to be solved

Research question
- an answerable inquiry into an issue
- crucial foundation

Research objective
- expect to achieve
- to guide activities of research

Week 3
A good research objective

Fig 1.1 S.M.A.R.T, 13 September 2022

To have a research question first->  no clue what you might find at the end of the research (Inductive approach)

Fig 1.2 Lecture slide on inductive approach, 13 September 2022

To have a research objective first-> have an idea, at least one objective (deductive approach)

Fig 1.3 Lecture slide on deductive approach, 13 September 2022

Week 4

N/A [Library Information Literacy Workshop]

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INSTRUCTIONS

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TASK

Week 1
We are required to confirm our selection of specialisation before we can think of the topic for our research paper. A 200 - 300 words rationale is also required.

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Fig 2.1 Week 1 draft research proposal, 6 September 2022

Week 2
The research problem should be approved in order to make way for writing the research objectives, research questions and problem statement.

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Fig 2.2 Week 2 draft research proposal, 13 September 2022

Week 3
My problem statement is written down along with revised research objectives and research questions.

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Fig 2.3 Week 3 draft research proposal, 13 September 2022

Week 4
Reorganised my reference list according to alphabetical order as well as started designing my PowerPoint slides.

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Fig 2.4 Week 4 final research proposal, 22 September 2022

Final Submission: Research Proposal Slides

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Fig 2.5 Final submission of research proposal in slides, 22 September 2022

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FEEDBACK

Week 4
General feedback
- No issues, I am on the right track
Specific feedback
- Carry on and start designing my Powerpoint slides

Week 3

General feedback

- When using references from thesis paper, it is a reliable guide but we are encouraged to source from journal articles instead

Specific feedback

- The 2nd research problem from week 2 draft is a unique one but narrow

- Both research problems from week 2 are okay

- Ensure your research objectives and questions reflect research problem 1

Week 2

General feedback

- Most research paper that is related to game art recently is about inclusivity in character designs.

Specific feedback

- It is good that I decide to shine a light on Asian culture/ cultures instead of just Western.
- Narrow down my research topic.

Week 1
General feedback

- Find a topic that will benefit us in our future specialisation study

- Find research papers on googlescholar.com

Specific feedback
[N/A]

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REFLECTION

I definitely have a love-hate relationship with this module. It is actually satisfying to look back at all the references I have searched for my research study. Looking at my research content grow from zero to progressing somewhere does give me a sense of achievement. I will not deny that the long hours of sitting through tutorial waiting for my turn to get feedback is kind of tiring but it is a nice time to get some work done.

The module is like Contextual Studies from Foundation in Design except that we have to do something not only related to design but also in our area of specialisation. Sometimes it is insightful to listen to the feedback given to my peers but when time gets long everything becomes pointless as the focus is not there anymore.

This module has taught me to gain confidence in my own observation skills by studying other professionals' research papers and also relying on my own effort in digging for extra informational resources. Mostly observe and reflect more on daily basis, having my own thoughts but also curious enough to understand other areas I am not exposed to (such as other specialisations).