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Unit of study_

DECO2019: Qualitative Research in Design

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study teaches qualitative research methodologies in a human-centred design context. This unit will prepare students for the common industry context of needing to capture latent user needs and diverse stakeholder perspectives to arrive at effective products and services. Students will be required to use qualitative data to synthesise actionable design insights. In this unit of study students will learn how to generate data though observational and interactive methods. This unit explores how qualitative research methods originating in the humanities can be effectively applied to a human-centred design context whilst retaining their rigour and criticality. At the conclusion of this unit students will be able to apply these advanced qualitative methods in their design practice.

Unit details and rules

Unit code DECO2019
Academic unit Design Lab
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
DECO1006 or DECO2016
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Brittany Klaassens, brittany.klaassens@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment In Class Weekly Reflections
Weekly Reflections
10% Multiple weeks 100 words
Outcomes assessed: LO8
Assignment Data Synthesis
Report
25% STUVAC
Due date: 06 Nov 2023 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO7
Assignment Ethical Engagement
Documentation
15% Week 03
Due date: 14 Aug 2023 at 23:59
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO8
Assignment group assignment Research Protocol
Research Protocol
20% Week 07
Due date: 11 Sep 2023 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Assignment group assignment Data Collection & Analysis
Report
30% Week 11
Due date: 16 Oct 2023 at 23:59
800-1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO7
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1 - Ethical Engagement: Students will engage in a revised ethics application that will help establish their positionality within their project
Assignment 2 - Research Protocol: 
Students will submit a research protocol outlining their plans for the data collection assignment. This will include a background, objectives, methodology, and research design.
Assignment 3 - Data Collection & Analysis: Students will conduct a study using their research protocol. Data will be thematically analyzed and presented in a results report.
Assignment 4 - Data Synthesis: Students will submit a discussion report based on their findings from Assignment 3.
Assignment 5 - In Class Weekly Reflections: At the end of each tutorial, students will submit a short reflection on their learnings and assignment progress each week.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.

Credit

65 - 74

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.

Fail

0 - 49

Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Welcome to DECO2019! Lecture (1 hr) LO1
What are Qualitative Methods? Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO7 LO8
Week 02 Ethical Engagement and Positionality Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Research case study: Reflexivity and Research Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO8
Week 03 Designing a Research Project Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Research Design and Structure Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO7 LO8
Week 04 Experience Sampling Methodology Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Critical Engagement: Experience Sampling Methodology Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO7 LO8
Week 05 Pop Up Engagements Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Critical Engagement: Pop Up Engagements Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO7 LO8
Week 06 Workshops Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Critical Engagement: Workshops Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO7 LO8
Week 07 Case Study: Mixed Methods Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Assignment 2 Preparation Tutorial (2 hr) LO7 LO8
Week 08 Thematic Analysis Introduction Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
Interpreting and Coding Data Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO7 LO8
Week 09 Thematic Analysis Panel Lecture (1 hr) LO5
Creating a Good Theme/Assignment 3 Check In Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO7 LO8
Week 10 Communicating Qualitative Research Lecture (1 hr) LO6
Critical Reflection: What Makes an Insight? Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 11 Case Study: Qualitative Research in Industry Context Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Visualizing Qualitative Research Tutorial (2 hr) LO6 LO8
Week 12 Bringing Research to Industry Panel - Canva Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Writing up Research Tutorial (2 hr) LO6 LO8
Week 13 Assignment 4 Preparation Tutorial (2 hr) LO7 LO8

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Understand basic theoretical concepts in relation to qualitative research
  • LO2. Understand the principles of qualitative research design and implementation
  • LO3. Understand and apply within practical settings a range of qualitative methods including ethnography, focus groups and experience sampling
  • LO4. Demonstrate an understanding of the application of human ethics in relation to qualitative research methods
  • LO5. Understand the principles of qualitative data analysis including thematic analysis
  • LO6. Understand the principles of qualitative data synthesis
  • LO7. Work effectively in teams and interact with other students to determine appropriate uses of qualitative methods
  • LO8. Engage in critical self-reflection with regard to understanding and using qualitative methods.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Will be changing the assignment requirements based on 2022 USS results

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.