DIS 60304 | Design Research Dissertation
Week 15 - Week 28
Sangeetha A/P V Supramaniam |
Instructions:
Lectures
Week 1 (17/4)Introduction to Module
There will be plenty of writing involved in this module. The academic writing consists of critical thinking and analyzing skills. The final outcome will be a written piece of work in a form of a book and a research paper to summarize your Dissertation. We need to allocate time to digest information to facilitate our writing followed by transferring our ideas and concepts into words.
There are 3 main components to complete:
1) Draft Dissertation 30%
2) Complete Dissertation with Visual Publication 30%
3) Journal Article + Final Submission 40%
The Journal Article is a conversion of the research into a research paper. It is a about simplifying the Dissertation into a shorter article. The format will be given later on.
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| Figure: A look at our first class online on Microsoft Teams as Dr Jinchi explains the Module Information Booklet. |
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| Figure: Note on plagiarism |
W6: Draft Dissertation
W10: Visual Publication
W14: Paper for Journal Publication
Preparing for your Dissertation - Part 1
In Design Research Methodology, we have completed Problem Statement up till Collected Primary Data. In this module we are meant to complete the others to form our Dissertation, especially the Analysis & Discuss (combination of critical/literature reviews and collected data) and Conclusion areas.
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| Figure: What to show on Week 2 |
Week 2 (24/4)
Preparing for your Dissertation - Part 2
Lecture notes are as shown below:
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| Figure: What to show on Week 3 |
No lecture due to public holiday - Labour Day
Week 4 (08/5)
Preparing for your Dissertation - Part 3
Lecture: Critical Thinking & Writing
Reminder:
Notes on the lecture are shown below:
Week 6 (22/5)
Week 10 (19/6)
Project 3 Briefing
Composing the Journal Article based on our dissertation.
Week 11 (19/6)
Submission of book draft and book design
Week 12 (03/6)
Consultation for Article
Turnitin Plagarism check: 0%
Week 13 (10/6)
Consultation for Article
Turnitin Plagarism check: 5%
Week 14 (17/6)
Submission of Article
Dissertation Draft
Week 2 (24/4)
Feedback:
For Section 1, start with introducing functionalist design first before stating Form Follows Function because that is what I have stated in the Research Objectives. Only then talk about Form Follows Function within the section so that the term may continue forward. Also, clarify that it is talking within the realms and context of Graphic Design. It will be about history and it has to relate back to 20th century web design.
Fill in the descriptive parts and put visuals in between.
Week 3 (01/5)
Feedback:
For Section 1.1, initially it was labelled as History, it has now been changed to Background instead. This is due to the fact section 1 and section 2 needs to relate to one another. By changing it to Background, it allows the researcher to introduce the history and concept of functionalist design and how it reached the web medium then relating it to web design. Within 1.1 Background, it is important to connect functionalist design to Form Follows Function in the text to ease the reader into the next section (1.2) and not thrown into it.
Week 4 (08/5)
Feedback:
For section 1, state the role of graphic designer and provide example. Also, at the end of the evolution to web design, mention that web design as the area of focus for the research. This part will be further discussed in Section 2.0. Under 1.1.2 - Practitioners of graphic design, provide one or two examples in text and visual form.
Currently there is a lack of flow in the writing, the context is there, but the writing is not effective in delivering the information. Modernist, functionalist and FFF are being used interchangeably, which is no consistent. They are inter related but it depends on what the sentences are talking about.
Week 5 (15/5)
Feedback:
Dr Jinchi helped with restructuring my sentences on the sections and provided guidance into making my points clearer. It is important to reiterate the connection to functionalist design. In section 1, I will need to explain the parallel of form follows function in architecture and product design. And how it is applied in web design. For some areas, i can use simple designs to emphasise on the point. Most parts require proper definition of the topic being discussed before analysng it with form follows function in mind.
Week 6 (22/5)
Feedback:
Dr Jinchi went through my introduction and pointed out that I would sitll need to bring the reader through a brief introduction of each section. It can be wrtten in a paragraph. There also needs to be a short introduction on literature review, research methodology, findings and results and analysis, regarding what the section is about. The introduction briefly introduces all the content within the book briefly. For the conclusion (although only partially completed), it was well written and it is good that I am not just summarizing the book but provide a philosophical view on the design concept. For Section 4, it needs to tie better to form follows function and provide an introduction to the section to ensure the readers are not just thrown into it.
Week 7 (29/5)
Feedback:
I will need to talk about the structure of the paper and research methodologies. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the papers. Also, in section 2.2, I will need to state how important is this review for the research topic. Dr Jinchi advises us to stick within 2000 words, preferraby just between 750-950 words otherwise the communication of the content might not be as effective. The design for my book looks fine, but Dr Jinchi recommended to inject some web design design elements since my research talks about both functionalist design and web design. So it is best to show both through the design of the book. We are meant to show a few examples of pages of the book design next week, along with the abstract and completed literaturre review.
Week 8 (05/6)
Feedback:
The literature review has some minor amendments especially with indicating 'this article' or 'the article', use the actual citation to be more clear. 'Whereby' should be used as a continuoation of the sentence and not be the start of the next sentence. Ensure to paraphrase to reduce the plagarism percentage. The book design is good to go. Dr Jinchi liked my colour scheme and it seems clear and simple enough to help communicate my topic theme.
Week 9 (12/6)
Feedback:
Book Design: The design is good and not overwhelming. The content is well organised according to the theme. However pay attention to the titles, make sure they have their respective capital letters.
Ensure content is written in past tense especially the content from Research Methodology when shifted into the Dissertation. Keep in mind to reflect changes from the book design to the document copy. Update the amendments from design to document. Change Research Implementation - Draft Dissertation > Final Dissertation. Change Research Methodology > Research Methods
Week 10 (19/6)
No consultation
Students given time off to complete dissertation
Week 11 (26/6)
Feedback:
Book Design: No issues.
Pay attention to Google Classroom to require the steps to create the Flipbook for submission. The PDF doc for turnitin is to be handed in Times. Ensure that the names for Prof. Sherry Blankenship and Ms Dora Chua are consistent throughout the book. Be sure to allow enough space between the images and body text in the book. Please proof read the book and doc before submission. The PDF doc must have page numbers. The picture credits needs to be in the right APA format and list down the figure numbers accordingly. The template for Project 3 will be provided in Teams.
Week 12 (03/7)
Feedback:
The Stages of Analysis (convert into a table form) to be placeed in Appendix section and add another column for a summary of the findings from all three websites. There can only be a maximum of 3 Appendices and 3 images in the article. consider adding the logo of IKEA, MUJI and Crate&Barrel. Do NOT move the position of the images as placed in the template. Follow the exact positions shown. For the Findings and Discussion section, I will need to link the dissertation's results and findings with analysis analysis discussion. There needs to be a link between the two areas. Be direct when writing, do not repeat ideas or statements in other sections. Prevent writing lenghty introductions as it eats up the word count. Find the most concise way to get your points and messages across. In conclusion, mention the limitations of this study.
~Less is more~
Week 13 (10/7)
Feedback:
The abstract is fine. Instead of Design History, Bauhaus is used as a keyword. Within the introduction, Dr Jinchi advised agaisnt using first person statements especially 'I'. So will need to reword some sentences. The problem statment was tweaked a little by Dr Jinchi but is better this round. In methodology, there's no need ot repeat 'qualitative analysis'. In a jist, explain what are the aim of the interview questions. In findings and discussions, after the first 2 paragraphs, ink it to functionalist design in a simple line. When explaing about the findings in the interviews, add a quote from each interviewee to strengthen the first sentence. Cite strong claims in the conclusion. The appendices are fine. Consider adding one more image since there is only two for now.
Week 14 (17/7)
Feedback:
I have added in the logos for MUJI, IKEA and Crate&Barrel and Dr Jinchi was alright with it. Overall, everything looks good. There were a few statements that were reviewed and corrected. All the lines in red are to be removed and turned black-bold. Also, remove all those in brackets and word counters. The picture credits need to follow APA format as well. For the Appendices, the description needs to go beneath the tables and in italics. Besides that, all good. Ensure blog is updated. Submission is on Sunday midnight.
Functionalism in 21st Century Web Design%20 |
| Figure: The first draft of the Sections within my Analysis and Discussion area. |
For Section 1, start with introducing functionalist design first before stating Form Follows Function because that is what I have stated in the Research Objectives. Only then talk about Form Follows Function within the section so that the term may continue forward. Also, clarify that it is talking within the realms and context of Graphic Design. It will be about history and it has to relate back to 20th century web design.
Fill in the descriptive parts and put visuals in between.
 |
| Figure 1: Second and final draft of the Sections within my Analysis and Discussion area. |
Feedback:
For Section 1.1, initially it was labelled as History, it has now been changed to Background instead. This is due to the fact section 1 and section 2 needs to relate to one another. By changing it to Background, it allows the researcher to introduce the history and concept of functionalist design and how it reached the web medium then relating it to web design. Within 1.1 Background, it is important to connect functionalist design to Form Follows Function in the text to ease the reader into the next section (1.2) and not thrown into it.
Week 4 (08/5)
Feedback:
For section 1, state the role of graphic designer and provide example. Also, at the end of the evolution to web design, mention that web design as the area of focus for the research. This part will be further discussed in Section 2.0. Under 1.1.2 - Practitioners of graphic design, provide one or two examples in text and visual form.
Currently there is a lack of flow in the writing, the context is there, but the writing is not effective in delivering the information. Modernist, functionalist and FFF are being used interchangeably, which is no consistent. They are inter related but it depends on what the sentences are talking about.
Week 5 (15/5)
Feedback:
Dr Jinchi helped with restructuring my sentences on the sections and provided guidance into making my points clearer. It is important to reiterate the connection to functionalist design. In section 1, I will need to explain the parallel of form follows function in architecture and product design. And how it is applied in web design. For some areas, i can use simple designs to emphasise on the point. Most parts require proper definition of the topic being discussed before analysng it with form follows function in mind.
Week 6 (22/5)
Feedback:
Dr Jinchi went through my introduction and pointed out that I would sitll need to bring the reader through a brief introduction of each section. It can be wrtten in a paragraph. There also needs to be a short introduction on literature review, research methodology, findings and results and analysis, regarding what the section is about. The introduction briefly introduces all the content within the book briefly. For the conclusion (although only partially completed), it was well written and it is good that I am not just summarizing the book but provide a philosophical view on the design concept. For Section 4, it needs to tie better to form follows function and provide an introduction to the section to ensure the readers are not just thrown into it.
Week 7 (29/5)
Feedback:
I will need to talk about the structure of the paper and research methodologies. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the papers. Also, in section 2.2, I will need to state how important is this review for the research topic. Dr Jinchi advises us to stick within 2000 words, preferraby just between 750-950 words otherwise the communication of the content might not be as effective. The design for my book looks fine, but Dr Jinchi recommended to inject some web design design elements since my research talks about both functionalist design and web design. So it is best to show both through the design of the book. We are meant to show a few examples of pages of the book design next week, along with the abstract and completed literaturre review.
Week 8 (05/6)
Feedback:
The literature review has some minor amendments especially with indicating 'this article' or 'the article', use the actual citation to be more clear. 'Whereby' should be used as a continuoation of the sentence and not be the start of the next sentence. Ensure to paraphrase to reduce the plagarism percentage. The book design is good to go. Dr Jinchi liked my colour scheme and it seems clear and simple enough to help communicate my topic theme.
Week 9 (12/6)
Feedback:
Book Design: The design is good and not overwhelming. The content is well organised according to the theme. However pay attention to the titles, make sure they have their respective capital letters.
Ensure content is written in past tense especially the content from Research Methodology when shifted into the Dissertation. Keep in mind to reflect changes from the book design to the document copy. Update the amendments from design to document. Change Research Implementation - Draft Dissertation > Final Dissertation. Change Research Methodology > Research Methods
Week 10 (19/6)
No consultation
Students given time off to complete dissertation
Week 11 (26/6)
Feedback:
Book Design: No issues.
Pay attention to Google Classroom to require the steps to create the Flipbook for submission. The PDF doc for turnitin is to be handed in Times. Ensure that the names for Prof. Sherry Blankenship and Ms Dora Chua are consistent throughout the book. Be sure to allow enough space between the images and body text in the book. Please proof read the book and doc before submission. The PDF doc must have page numbers. The picture credits needs to be in the right APA format and list down the figure numbers accordingly. The template for Project 3 will be provided in Teams.
Week 12 (03/7)
Feedback:
The Stages of Analysis (convert into a table form) to be placeed in Appendix section and add another column for a summary of the findings from all three websites. There can only be a maximum of 3 Appendices and 3 images in the article. consider adding the logo of IKEA, MUJI and Crate&Barrel. Do NOT move the position of the images as placed in the template. Follow the exact positions shown. For the Findings and Discussion section, I will need to link the dissertation's results and findings with analysis analysis discussion. There needs to be a link between the two areas. Be direct when writing, do not repeat ideas or statements in other sections. Prevent writing lenghty introductions as it eats up the word count. Find the most concise way to get your points and messages across. In conclusion, mention the limitations of this study.
~Less is more~
Week 13 (10/7)
Feedback:
The abstract is fine. Instead of Design History, Bauhaus is used as a keyword. Within the introduction, Dr Jinchi advised agaisnt using first person statements especially 'I'. So will need to reword some sentences. The problem statment was tweaked a little by Dr Jinchi but is better this round. In methodology, there's no need ot repeat 'qualitative analysis'. In a jist, explain what are the aim of the interview questions. In findings and discussions, after the first 2 paragraphs, ink it to functionalist design in a simple line. When explaing about the findings in the interviews, add a quote from each interviewee to strengthen the first sentence. Cite strong claims in the conclusion. The appendices are fine. Consider adding one more image since there is only two for now.
Week 14 (17/7)
Feedback:
I have added in the logos for MUJI, IKEA and Crate&Barrel and Dr Jinchi was alright with it. Overall, everything looks good. There were a few statements that were reviewed and corrected. All the lines in red are to be removed and turned black-bold. Also, remove all those in brackets and word counters. The picture credits need to follow APA format as well. For the Appendices, the description needs to go beneath the tables and in italics. Besides that, all good. Ensure blog is updated. Submission is on Sunday midnight.
Final Dissertation
Final Dissertation Design:
Turnitin report:
KREATE Article:
Since Design Research Methodology, it was an interesting and exciting journey. Despite being nervous about the in depth research that is required by this module, as the weeks went by, I adapted to the large amount of reading and writing and found myself genuinely enjoying the process of developing the dissertation till its completion. With my research topic, I have found that functionalism can be applied in all aspects of life and not just in design. It is something I will continue to implement into all my designs and daily life. Having Dr Jinchi as a lecturer made the whole experience efficient, fun and organised. I have learned so much from her and the module as a whole.
Reflection
How do I feel after 14 weeks? In a nutshell, it was fun 😊Since Design Research Methodology, it was an interesting and exciting journey. Despite being nervous about the in depth research that is required by this module, as the weeks went by, I adapted to the large amount of reading and writing and found myself genuinely enjoying the process of developing the dissertation till its completion. With my research topic, I have found that functionalism can be applied in all aspects of life and not just in design. It is something I will continue to implement into all my designs and daily life. Having Dr Jinchi as a lecturer made the whole experience efficient, fun and organised. I have learned so much from her and the module as a whole.
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