21-3700 Product Design IV: Design Research

Design research involves a range of tasks (interviews, observations, data collection) around a problem, opportunity, or existing product category. This research shapes the overall design process. This course introduces students to theoretical and practical issues of design research and exposes them to different research methods through readings and case studies applied to one or more in-class design projects. Methods include ethnographic observation, one-on-one interviews, and the creation of personas and scenario models. Students apply research to the development of physical prototypes, interactive apps, or services. Course may include field trips to local design firms specializing in research.

3 Credits