ID420 USER RESEARCH IN DESIGN
| Course Code: | 1250420 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 5.0 |
| Department: | Industrial Design |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Lecturer EVREN AKAR |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
This course aims to teach basic user research methods and tools. At the end of the course students should be able to conduct a user research project in which methods like interviews, surveys, field observation, document analysis, content analysis, exploratory statistics are used.
Course Content
Introduction to methods for identifying user needs and innovation opportunities in physical and digital product design. Exploration of user research methodologies such as participant observation, interviewing and task analysis. Analysis of collected data to develop design criteria. Translation of research insights into design briefs guiding product development. Iterative concept development and evaluation based on the research insights.
Course Learning Outcomes
Learning how to conduct a user research
- How to prepare for an interview study
- How to prepare a survey questionnaire
- How to make field observation
- How to do a content analysis
- How to do a document analysis
- How to make exploratory statistics
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Creative problem definition, developing solution-oriented ideas, critical thinking and creating solution proposals by synthesizing the knowledge gained | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Planning, managing and conducting the design process | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Planning and carrying out design-oriented research and transferring the results to the design process | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Thinking with basic design and visual organization elements and principles and being able to apply ideas in two and three dimensions | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Identifying the user's needs, predicting their expectations and integrating them into the design process | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Ability to work individually and to conduct team-work | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Understanding the relationship of the Industrial Design field with different disciplines and being able to carry out interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies | ✔ | |||
| 8 | Ability to communicate in international mediums using a foreign language and follow the professional agenda | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Developing an independent, lifelong learning approach by being aware of the ever-changing contexts of design | ✔ | |||
| 10 | Being aware of the socio-cultural, socio-economic and environmental context in design and considering the benefit of society and the environment | ✔ | |||
| 11 | Ability to interpret the issues related to art and culture affecting the historical development of industrial design on the local and global scale | ✔ | |||
| 12 | Having knowledge about business models, ethical principles, and laws and regulations that should be followed in professional practice | ✔ | |||
| 13 | Knowing the materials and production technology within the scope of Industrial Design and using them in the design process | ✔ | |||
| 14 | Having command of technological developments in the field of industrial design, being able to use the necessary technological tools | ✔ | |||
| 15 | Being able to present design ideas and solutions with relevant communication tools and methods | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution