Module Details

Module Code: RECH
Module Title: User Behaviour Research
Title: User Behaviour Research
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Eileen Doyle
Module Author:: PJ White
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to develop the learner’s understanding of user behaviour research and how it relates to designed artefacts. The objective is to assist the learner in establishing a user- centred design research methodology appropriate to their major project type and category. It will assist the student in understanding user needs in relation to their design work, allowing them to make design decisions and market the project as a basis of design solution. It aims to collect stakeholder knowledge and interaction touchpoints at various stages of the design process with a view to creating usable and meaningful products. It aims to understand both physical and cognitive human factors issues for product design and demonstrate the ability to test the human factors of a product. The learner will also demonstrate the application of information derived from research and testing into their final design. The findings derived from this module transfer through to work within the Design Studio 4 Module
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Independently conduct research into user needs and behaviours.
LO2 Express appropriate judgement, take ownership and demonstrate independent learning in the direction of a project
LO3 Create knowledge and understand the needs of end-users, document these needs for application into the design process
LO4 Create ethically aware research results for application into design practice
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Early Stage Research
Conducting Primary Research (Interviews, Observation, and Participation through User trips. Conducting Secondary Research (Stakeholder Mapping Literature reviewing, Questionnaires, Desk research) Recording Research and Ethics
Academic Design Poster
Learners will complete an academic poster. This will include synthesis of research, research methods, findings and analysis
Understanding and Designing User Experience
Understanding the basics of physical and cognitive ergonomics in relation to the design area the learner is researching Using tools such as Using Journey Mapping, Task Analysis, Interaction Matrix to capture user behaviour, experience, requirement and specification
Design Studio (Resources)
A dedicated space designed to allow for studio-based learning. This space is specific to a particular learning group. While used to deliver studio-based education the space is available to accommodate learners outside scheduled/timetabled hours. It provides a safe learner-driven, peer-reviewed environment, supported on a one-to-one basis. It supports the synthesis of parallel concurrent modular knowledge, skills and competency with prior learning & personal aesthetic judgement, to resolve specific design research question/s.
Workshop/Materials (Resources)
This is a dedicated space to allow learners to test, evaluate and represent the application of their research through 3D physical workshop made models. Resourcing of a workshop space include machinery, tools and materials. Materials such as modelling foam, MDF, Jelutong, Cardboard, foam board are all essential to the investigation of developing a design solution.
Computers/Plotters/Printers (Resource)
Each learner requires access to studio computers. There should be access to printing and plotting facilities in order to complete Projects. The room must also be fitted with good quality projector, document visualisers and sound equipment for delivery of hybrid approaches
3D Printing Facilities
Access to 3D printing facilities in order to complete projects.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 70
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Academic Poster: Primary Research, Secondary Research and analysis /synthesis of data into findings
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 15 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Human-centred Mapping: Task Analysis, Journey Mapping and Interaction Matrix
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat the module
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. The student must reattend the module in its entirety in order to be reassessed.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Studio Based Learning Contact Mentored content delivery and support, facilitated peer to peer interaction, tutor/self/peer critique/evaluation Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Learning Time Non Contact Individual and collaborative peer-to-peer learning, in skill & competency development Every Week 5.00 5
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Hilary Dempsey. IT Carlow House Style of Sketching booklet.
  • Steve Portigal. (2013), Interviewing Users: How to Uncover Compelling Insights, Rosenfeld.
  • Karl Ulrich, Steven Eppinger. Product Design and Development, 5 Ed.. McGraw Hill.
  • Bjarki Hallgrimsson. (2012), Prototyping and Modelmaking for Product Design, Laurence King.
  • Brenda Laurel. (2003), Design Research: Methods and Perspectives.
  • William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, Jill Butler. (2003), Universal Principles of Design, Revised and Updated: 125 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions, and Teach through Design.
  • Bill Moggridge. Designing Interations, http://www.designinginteractions.com/.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Nigel Cross. (2011), Design Thinking: Understanding How Designers Think and Work, Berg.
  • Alex Milton, Paul Rodgers. (2013), Research Methods for Product Design, Laurence King.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: