After successful completion of the course, students are able to...
- Name the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative versus quantitative research methods for the purposes of design
- Describe the advantages, disadvantages and basic techniques of a range of qualitative research methods, and associated theories as relevant
- Provide rationale for the choice of methods to use to answer different kinds of research questions
- Outline the basic principles of different quantitative methods
- Critically evaluate quantitative methods as described in research papers
- Critically reflect on lessons learnt from experiences applying research methods (planning, data collection and analysis) as part of collaborative user research
- Argue for the role of user research, drawing on evidence-based literature, for current and/or future technologies
Overall aim: To gain a basic understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods, and related theories where relevant, and how to critically apply these for the purposes of design and evaluation of technology.
[NOTE: it is essential that ALL students watch ALL of the videos and attend all of the online sessions, which are front loaded to October]
Understanding and applying user research methods that contribute to a better understanding of people and their use contexts in order to better develop, design and evaluate interactive products and systems.
1. Core qualitative user research skills
Data collection/user study
- Observation, Interview; Data analysis of qualitative data using an affinity mapping / thematic analysis approach
2. Additional qualitative and participatory methods, and theories:
Data collection: - using video; experience sampling method (and other logging methods); bio/physiological sensing, eye tracking; online ethnography
Moving to design insights
Theories:- drawn from: ethnomethodology; grounded theory and domain-relevant theories
3. Basics of quantitative methods
Survey and questionnaire design, descriptive statistics, laboratory-based studies, experimental studies
Teaching method:
Flipped classroom model - with video-recorded lectures and readings in advance of interactive online sessions where you can ask questions, discuss the content and engage in interactive activities.
Overall: A mixed methods approach will be used involving a significant amount of small group work and learning by doing and reflecting:
- reviewing literature and identifying key themes/approaches
- in-class presentations, discussions and reflections
- in-class exercises using a running 'small' group project throughout the semester
[Companion PR course] final large group project where students apply methods to a topic of their own choosing, with an emphasis on user research, and taking it through to some design recommendations and/or prototypes.
ECTS Breakdown: 3ECTS = 75 hours
- 8 hrs - recorded video lectures incl sketches
13 hrs - online sessions
8 hrs - Reading & exercises
5 hrs – Group exercises (interviews)
8 hrs - Method report
8 hrs – Quiz (incl prep)
25 hrs – Final essay
[Note: core content of the course will be delivered via blocked sessions heavily weighted in Oct. Many of the sessions in Nov-Jan will be for your own work with no formal class. Dates of actual meetings will be confirmed in opening lecture]
Assessment [LO= learning outcome as above]:
- Quantitative method assessment (20%) [LO4, 5]
- Written Method report (20%) [LO 1,2, 3]
- Final Essay/Report (50%) [LO 1, 6, 7]
- Lecture sketches (10%) [LO 2]
Note: all components of the assessment have to be passed to receive an overall pass mark. Once the first assessment is submitted, a certificate will be issued at end of term.
The student has to be enrolled for at least one of the studies listed below