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 2026 in Summer A and Semester 1 at Caulfield. It needs TDN2001.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Summer A, Semester 1
- Caulfield
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2026 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.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After TDN3001
No unit lists TDN3001 as a prerequisite in the 2026 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 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Summer semester A | Caulfield | Online blk |
| First semester | Caulfield | On campus |
Assessment
- Presentation20%
- ReflectionWritten30%
- EssayWritten50%
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
Demonstrate and understanding of the historical development and key principles of design research theories;
- 2
Apply selected research methods to investigate a contemporary design issue, analyse findings, and propose applications to design practice;
- 3
Analyse the influence of social, cultural, and environmental factors on design practices and trends;
- 4
Communicate research findings to diverse audiences using appropriate visual and verbal communication strategies;
- 5
Reflect on the potential social and environmental impact of design solutions and demonstrate a commitment to responsible design practices;
- 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
- Unit Coordinators
- Ben Bannan
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Jess Berry