Social Patterns Research
Unit code: HDG407
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Contact hours | 36 Hours per Semester |
| Campus | Prahran |
| Prerequisites | Nil |
| Corequisites | Nil, but this unit should be taken concurrently with HDG408. |
Aims and objectives
This unit will introduce students to social patterns that address the interface between design and society. It will expose students to the broad range of rapidly changing social factors different societies face, ranging from the spaces and objects individuals interact with on a daily basis to the systems and interfaces that challenge society.
This unit of study will introduce students to a range of design research and investigation strategies. Students will produce a self-initiated project brief as well as undertake a relevant literature and artifact review. Research will be couched within the broader theme of social patterns and provide students with a range of strategies by which to develop design research methods and analysis.
This unit provides students with a framework by which studio and project work will continue to develop. The unit focuses on the development of core research skills that have direct relevance to current design practice and design theory. Via research and investigation, students will learn to select specific design project outcomes from a range of studio themes.
This unit of study will introduce students to a range of design research and investigation strategies. Students will produce a self-initiated project brief as well as undertake a relevant literature and artifact review. Research will be couched within the broader theme of social patterns and provide students with a range of strategies by which to develop design research methods and analysis.
This unit provides students with a framework by which studio and project work will continue to develop. The unit focuses on the development of core research skills that have direct relevance to current design practice and design theory. Via research and investigation, students will learn to select specific design project outcomes from a range of studio themes.
Teaching methods
A core lecture series plus projects conducted in a student-centred studio, on a work-in-progress basis. Group discussion, site visits, research, consultation, evaluation, critique sessions and presentations are conducted as appropriate.
Assessment
100% project work. Project briefs clearly define submission requirements and due dates but participants are responsible for actively participating in this process to develop a clear understanding of assessment requirements. Formative feedback is given throughout the semester to allow participants to develop their work for final submission. Assessment occurs at the end of the semester.
Content
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Conduct design research through literature and artefact review and apply these to a design proposal;
- Use a range of analytical and research skills to facilitate the articulation of a design project;
- Apply existing design research to a complex project brief;
- Explore the relationship between a broader vision of research and design and social practice;
- Articulate the investigative process and outcomes through concise, coherent and well-structured documentation, reports and presentations.
