The course "Seminars in Design and Research" is taught in the 8th semester as an elective and aims to further familiarise students with the theory and practice of design research. The course is structured around a series of seminars covering a range of specific topics, themes, tools, and skills necessary for the development of projects and studies. These seminars present and analyse contemporary research methodologies and applied design, as well as the relevant tools and techniques explored and applied in both the academic and professional fields of design. Students have the opportunity to attend, participate in, and actively organise seminars and discussions with experts (academic and professional guests), work on specific examples and cases from the field of product and system design, and develop their own research skills, which they will present to the academic community of the school.
Specifically, the course focuses on the analysis and understanding of contemporary research approaches used in design, from the principles of human-centred design to the applications of new technologies, such as the design of interactive systems, products, and services. The themes are announced each year and may vary depending on the needs of other courses in the curriculum. Indicative topics include the use of a tool not taught in any course (e.g., SPSS, Photoshop, Figma, etc.), a seminar on engineering studies (according to professional rights by the Technical Chamber of Greece), a seminar on the study of a scientific article, a seminar on writing a thesis (structure, bibliography, etc.).
The course is assessed through short assignments/exercises that students submit/complete during the seminar or shortly after. Through their participation in the course, students will be able to apply the knowledge they have acquired to real-world design and research projects, both in academic and professional settings. The course provides a solid foundation for the development and evaluation of innovative ideas and solutions through research processes, enhancing the interdisciplinary understanding of design.
- Introduction to Design and Research:
- Fundamental concepts of design and research.
- Relationship between scientific research and product/system design.
- Contemporary Research Methodologies:
- Qualitative and quantitative methods in design research.
- Human-centred design and participatory design methodologies.
- Designing innovative products and services with an emphasis on the use of new technologies.
- Design Tools:
- Introduction to tools and techniques such as statistics (e.g., SPSS), graphic design and interface design (e.g., Photoshop, Figma), geometric modelling, and prototyping (2D, 3D, 3D printing).
- Usability analysis and user experience research.
- Prototyping and pre-prototyping in design research.
- Applications in Real Projects:
- Case studies and applications from the academic and professional fields by guest researchers and professionals.
- Writing research proposals and developing project plans.
- Presentations and Seminar Organisation:
- Participation in seminars by field experts.
- Development of presentation and communication skills for research results.
- Understand and apply contemporary research methods in the design of products, systems, and services.
- Draft and present research proposals in a scientific manner.
- Actively participate in discussions and organise seminars on research and design topics.
- Develop an interdisciplinary understanding of research practices in design and understand their social and ethical implications.
- Analyse and interpret data using qualitative and quantitative analysis tools.
- Design and implement original products or services using contemporary design methodologies.
- Cross, N. (2006). Designerly Ways of Knowing. Springer.
Examines the cognitive skills of designers and how they can be applied in conducting research and improving design processes. - Kumar, V. (2012). 101 Design Methods: A Structured Approach for Driving Innovation in Your Organization. John Wiley & Sons.
A manual that includes 101 design methods for developing innovative products and services, tailored to the needs of the modern market. - Martin, B., & Hanington, B. (2012). Universal Methods of Design: 100 Ways to Research Complex Problems, Develop Innovative Ideas, and Design Effective Solutions. Rockport Publishers.
Presentation of 100 design methods used to address complex problems and develop innovative ideas and solutions. - Blessing, L. T. M., & Chakrabarti, A. (2009). DRM, a Design Research Methodology. Springer.
A comprehensive guide to design research methodology, focusing on systematic exploration and development of design methods. - Laurel, B. (Ed.). (2003). Design Research: Methods and Perspectives. MIT Press.
Provides an overview of contemporary research methods used in the design process and their application in professional and academic projects.