Cooper, R., & Press, M. (1995) The Design Agenda. London. John Wiley.

Drew, S., & Bingham, R. (2001) The Student Skills Guide. Aldershot. Gower.


Other reading appropriate to your specific research topic including a range of books, subject-specific periodicals, other related journal and newspaper articles, as well as texts relating to the design process and the promotion of design relevant to your course of study should be employed, through negotiation with your supervisor - plus other subject-specific visual or audio evidence to support your work
Recommended:You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University; keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of major practitioners in your subject.

Library
Internet Access
The Design Archive
Blackboard

The integration of theory and your practice.
Spending the majority of your time in personal study and research when you will use resources such as the library and the Design Study Collection. Additionally you will be employing research resources that may include the Internet, CD-ROMs, individual expert interviews, creation and analysis of questionnaire returns and the use of external libraries, museums and archives.
Spending some of your time on analysis and reflection of the information you have gathered and maintaining a design activity journal (reflective practice)

A 4,000 word illustrated report plus footnotes, bibliography and (where appropriate) glossary and appendices [excluded from word count]

This module has one component, the project report in which you describe, reflect upon and evaluate the research and processes which you currently are undertaking as part of your major project. The emphasis in the report will be on reflection and critical analysis upon your own practice.
In relation to your specialist area and any themes within your practice, it will be necessary for you to identify and reflect upon the following: contemporary practice and the influence of key practitioners, user research, market trends, design research and design processes. You will develop an understanding of your own your area of study and of your personal direction in relation to contemporary practice and the wider context within which your design proposal will operate as well as deploying effective methods of project management.

Depending upon your chosen subject, you will be undertaking research that encompasses topic[s] including design practice, theory, management and design history. You will be expected to undertake both primary and secondary research, and to assimilate and interpret it before presenting your final report in an academically appropriate manner.
Completion of the report is intended to assist in the development of your communication and
professional skills, which will be of value to you in your future career. These include identifying
appropriate subject[s] for research, selecting appropriate research and analysis methods, managing your time and the resources available, analysing your findings and presenting them in an appropriate and effective manner.