TAD5400 Design research methods
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
TAD5400 Design research methods is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Caulfield
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before TAD5400
Corequisites
Pass these before, or take them in the same semester.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After TAD5400
2 units list TAD5400 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
You must be enrolled in the Master of Design (F6002).
Overview
This unit examines methodological approaches to design research, from the scientifically oriented to the phenomenological, the discursive and the poetic. Attention is given to the way in which the terms of an investigation inevitably shape the material which is discovered. The range of topics may include techniques in information gathering and efficient management of bibliographic resources, postmodern theory, difference studies, post-structural writing and deconstruction. The unit ponders the relationship of studio research (i.e. designing innovative objects or spaces or interfaces) to conventional research.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Caulfield | On campus |
| Second semester | Caulfield | On campus |
Assessment
- Project 1Project20%
- Project 2Project40%
- Project 3Project40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Critically engage with advanced design theories, concepts and methods, while reflecting on your own understanding of key principles of design research;
- 2
Apply relevant research skills and methods to investigate a contemporary design issue, analyse findings, and propose solutions to complex design challenges;
- 3
Integrate advanced research methodologies to analyse, synthesise, and evaluate the influence of social, cultural, and environmental factors on design practices and complex design challenges;
- 4
Respond to the needs, deliverables, and constraints of complex design projects by communicating research findings to diverse audiences using appropriate visual and verbal communication strategies;
- 5
Apply design research to critically analyse, contextualise and reflect on the social and environmental impact of design solutions and demonstrate a commitment to responsible design practices;
- 6
Demonstrate a commitment to professional development by critically reflecting on personal strengths and weaknesses in conducting design research and identifying areas for continuous improvement.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Teaching approachResearch activities
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
12 hours per week including 2 contact hours plus 10 hours of independent study.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Vincent Dziekan
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Vincent Dziekan
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for TAD5400?
None, but you must take OHS1000 before or alongside it.
What can I take after TAD5400?
TAD5400 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including PPR5500 and TAD5500.
When is TAD5400 offered?
In 2026, TAD5400 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield.
Does TAD5400 have an exam?
No. TAD5400 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.