| Module Title: | User Behaviour Research |
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| Language of Instruction: | English |
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| Teaching & Learning Strategies: |
The learner is immersed in a range of collaborative, problem-solving activities, to investigate and evaluate where design can propose solutions for commercial and social benefit. The holistic, student-centred, studio- based approach, facilitated by faculty, is intended to negotiate, facilitate and guide learner engagement and scaffold a deep-learning using the following strategies: • Lectures • Studio-based learning, • Presentation, • Workshop, • Self-directed independent learning |
| Module Aim: |
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 should be able to: |
| 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 |
| Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
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| No recommendations listed |
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. |
| No incompatible modules listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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| No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. |
| No requirements listed |
Module Content & Assessment
| Indicative Content |
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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
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Academic Design Poster
Learners will complete an academic poster. This will include synthesis of research, research methods, findings and analysis
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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3D Printing Facilities
Access to 3D printing facilities in order to complete projects.
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
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| Continuous Assessment | 100.00% |
| Continuous Assessment |
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| Assessment Type |
Assessment Description |
Outcome addressed |
% of total |
Assessment Date |
| Project |
Academic Poster: Primary Research, Secondary Research and analysis /synthesis of data into findings |
1,2,3,4 |
70.00 |
Week 11 |
| Project |
Human-centred Mapping: Task Analysis, Journey Mapping and Interaction Matrix |
2,3,4 |
30.00 |
Week 15 |
| No End of Module Formal Examination |
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
| Studio Based Learning |
Every Week |
4.00 |
| Independent Learning Time |
Every Week |
5.00 |
| Total Hours |
9.00 |
Module Delivered In
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