Design Research Dissertation // Final Compilation

3.9.2023 - 3.12.2023 (Week 1 - Week 14)
Sheryl Pang Pui San / 0349746
Design / Bachelor of Design (HONS) in Creative Media
Design Research Dissertation: Final Compilation

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Information

Figure 1.0 Module Information Booklet

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Task 1: Dissertation Draft

Task 2: Final Dissertation

Task 3: Visual Publication

Task 4: Research for Article Publication

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Feedback

Week 2
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Specify genres at the beginning of discussion. 

Write in the genre (novel) and elaborate the design elements in paragraph. 

Week 3
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-Write thus instead of conclusion. 

Cite secondary sources, don't just rely on primary research.

Don't recap the research but discuss about it.

Week 4
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Add in a brief introduction/summary of the book, then relate the design elements with the tone and message of the book in 5.2.1 - 5.2.4. 

Research on colour psychology to explain. 

Give introduction of Billie Eilish and Dazed Magazine then relate the design elements with it.

Cite only the author surname and year.

5.3 will be better to have literature to support (why do we tend to assume)

5.3.2 find secondary sources, do not write too general, add in more details or examples. 

5.3.3 add quotes from focus group discussion participants too.

Week 5
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Add in more quote from focus group discussion.

Finish up discussion and start conclusion

Week 6

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Make sure to put in all citations.

Finish off 5.0 and 6.0 conclusions with limitations.

Also add in section 3, research methodology from last semester.

Week 7

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Write in past tense 

Write 3.0 research methodology in paragraph form add in project recommendation and appendix (for the focus group)

Week 9

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Proceed with idea 2 for the design option for visual publication.

Week 10

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Continue finishing the layout of visual publication.

Use smaller pt size for body text, try reducing headline pt size.

Week 11

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Add image credits more classic design of the section page instead of slanted.

Week 13

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Add findings and conclusion under abstract.

Follow the word list, at methodology, state the questions asked instead of the justification of both methods.

Week 14

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Arrange the appendix properly.

Put the questions for focus group interview at at the appendix instead of at the methodology section.

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Final Reflection 

Experience

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Doing the tasks of Design Research Dissertation relies highly on the data collected through my last semester module Design Research Methodology. When writing the dissertation, I need to find more secondary data rather than just following what I have on my Design Research Methodology submission. I find that its hard to find relevant research and data on the article but mostly on websites. I feel like all the tasks in this module has been given enough time for us to complete and it does not feel rush to complete them. The Draft of Dissertation took most time to complete with writing the Discussion part. I can complete the dissertation from draft to final and doing the other task thanks to Dr. Jinchi's guidance and I'm thankful for Dr.Jinchi to always providing me necessary feedback for my work in our tutorial session. 

Observations

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I observed that I lack of research and writing skills while doing these tasks. I also get to know the importance in research for doing a dissertation. Writing skills is also very important, to write and paraphrase the content that I've been researching, to convey the idea better and also to avoid plagiarism.  I have also learned how to do research for a topic and what are the necessary steps in order to start a research. From finding relevant data and conduct research methodology, then analyse and discussion to research about a topic. 

Findings

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Other than learning about writing and researching, I also get to learn about book covers and the design elements used in designing. I get to revise back the principles and elements in design, and how the choice of design could influence the style and direction of the book. For example, like the choice of typography and choice of colour, choosing suitable typography and colour really does add points to the design of the book. It could relate to the content of the book and a good designed cover could also attracts potential customer to look at the book which gives the book a chance to be looked into, even though the content is the most important element that influences the readers reading experience but when choosing a book, looking at the cover could make readers pick it up not knowing the content.