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Design Methods - TFT00133M

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module offers an insight into established and emerging design research frameworks and approaches, including: user centred design, participatory design and co-design, and research through design. You will examine how design research is practised in academia and in external organisations through case studies and guest lectures, critically reflecting on the role of the designer. We will explore design methods and tools in detail and how to ethically conduct independent research, including with participants and stakeholders. This module will support the development of the independent project module, as well as enabling students to become reflective and inclusive designers.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims to:

  • Provide an understanding of the different methodological approaches to design research.
  • Explore the role of the design researcher and their relationship to design practice.
  • Understand the ethical, human, and project management implications of different design methods.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Understand theoretical design frameworks and approaches and how they are applied and adapted in third sector and creative industries

  • Critically reflect on the role of design and the designer across diverse methodological approaches

  • Understand and apply design methods and select appropriate design tools to explore a research challenge

  • Develop and demonstrate an ethical approach to working with participants and collaborators

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

You will receive individual verbal feedback during weekly workshops and seminars.

You will receive written feedback on coursework assignments using a proforma identifying key requirements and marks awarded for sections of the assignment. This will be in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

Downe, L., 2020. Good Services: How to design services that work. BIS Publishers.

Sharp, H. et al. (2023). Interaction design: beyond human-computer interaction / [Helen] Sharp, [Yvonne] Rogers and [Jenny] Preece. 6th ed. Chichester: Wiley.

Koskinen, I., and Zimmerman, J. (2011). Design Research Through Practice: From the Lab, Field, and Showroom. Morgan Kaufmann.

Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2021) Thematic analysis: a practical guide. Sage Publications Ltd.

Gunn, W., Otto, T. and Smith, R.C. eds., 2013. Design anthropology: theory and practice. Taylor & Francis.

Dunn, N., Cruickshank, L., & Coupe, G. (Eds.). (2023). Flourish by Design (1st ed.). Routledge.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.