Contextualizing and critically reflecting on one’s own design activities is a prerequisite that is beneficial in many areas. In this seminar, students learn design-specific, scientific, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary methods, such as research, documentation and analysis techniques. They also learn efficient working methods, how to deal with formal criteria, how to understand academic texts more precisely and how to test and sharpen their own logical argumentation. The examination of different theoretical approaches and methods should ultimately enable students to apply these independently in order to scientifically substantiate their own Master’s project. Here, the approach of research by design and research with design of the 3-phase model according to Beat Schneider is trend-setting.

Regular attendance is mandatory

Literature (selection):

Balzert, H., Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten, Ethik, Inhalt & Form wiss. Arbeiten, Handwerkszeug, Quellen, Projektmanagement, Präsentationen, Herdecke, 2011
Bella, M., Designmethoden, 100 Recherchemethoden und Analysetechniken für erfolgreiche Gestaltung, München, 2013
Beller, S., Empirisch forschen lernen, Bern, 2004
Brandes, U., Erlhoff, M., Schemmann, N., Designtheorie und Designforschung, Paderborn, 2009
Carey, S., A Beginner`s Guide to Scientific Method, Wadsworth, 2012
Creswell J. & J., Research Design, Qualitative, quantitative & mixed methods, approaches, London, 2018
Dressel, G., Interdisziplinär und transdisziplinär forschen, Bielefeld, 2014
Freyling, Ch., Research in Art and Design, Royal College of Art Research Papers, London, 1995
Schweppenhäuser, G., Designtheorie, Wiesbaden, 2016