UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

TDN3001 Research for design

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

TDN3001 Research for design is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, offered in 2025 in Summer A and Semester 1 at Caulfield. It needs TDN2001.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2025
Summer A, Semester 1
Caulfield
Assessment
No exam
3 tasks

This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before TDN3001

Corequisites

Pass these before, or take them in the same semester.

Prerequisites

Pass these before you enrol.

After TDN3001

No unit lists TDN3001 as a prerequisite in the 2025 handbook.

Overview

This unit enables you to become an effective design researcher by exploring and applying current research methodologies to investigate real-world issues connecting design, society, culture, and the environment, all while developing essential skills for lifelong learning. You'll gain foundational knowledge of design research concepts and theories, apply appropriate research methods to analyse existing data and inform your design process, and integrate your findings with broader social, cultural, and environmental contexts. Through hands-on research projects, critical analysis of case studies, and collaborative workshops, you'll develop self-awareness of your own design values and biases, cultivate your understanding of ethical and responsible design, and enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving, and information literacy skills.

Offerings in 2025

Teaching periodCampusMode
Summer semester ACaulfieldOnline blk
First semesterCaulfieldOn campus

Assessment

  • Presentation
    20%
  • ProjectArtefact
    30%
  • EssayWritten
    50%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Demonstrate and understanding of the historical development and key principles of design research theories;

  2. 2

    Apply selected research methods to investigate a contemporary design issue, analyse findings, and propose applications to design practice;

  3. 3

    Analyse the influence of social, cultural, and environmental factors on design practices and trends;

  4. 4

    Communicate research findings to diverse audiences using appropriate visual and verbal communication strategies;

  5. 5

    Reflect on the potential social and environmental impact of design solutions and demonstrate a commitment to responsible design practices;

  6. 6

    Critically reflect on personal strengths and weaknesses in conducting design research and identify areas for improvement.

Workload and teaching

  • Lectures12 hours
  • Tutorials24 hours

12 hours per week including 2 contact hours and 1 hour online lecture plus 9 hours of independent study. In Summer Semester A, the workload includes 9 contact hours per week for 4 weeks.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Mr Dion Tuckwell
Dr Jess Berry
Unit Coordinators
Dr Jess Berry
Mr Dion Tuckwell

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for TDN3001?

You need TDN2001 before you enrol; and OHS1000 before or alongside it.

When is TDN3001 offered?

In 2025, TDN3001 runs in Summer A and Semester 1 at Caulfield.

Does TDN3001 have an exam?

No. TDN3001 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
Organisational unit
Department of Design
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available