Design Research Dissertation
Design Research Dissertation
23/09/2025 - 2/1/2026 (Week1 - Week14)
Hu Yao Ping / 0376768
Design Research Dissertation| Bachelors of Design (Honour) in Creative
Media | Taylor's University
[Table of contents]
1.Instruction
2.Task
3.Feedback
4.Reflection
[Instruction]
[Task]
TASK 1 DRAFT DISSERTATION
TASK 2 VISUAL DESIGN PUBLICATION
TASK 3 FINAL COMPLETE DISSERTATION
E-book Link: https://online.fliphtml5.com/uoqyj/qkad/
TASK 4 RESEARCH FOR JOURNAL ARTICLE PUBLICATION
[Feedback]
[Reflection]
Experience：
Throughout this module, I engaged in a
comprehensive and intellectually demanding
research journey, structured to cultivate both
academic rigor and design-oriented inquiry.
Beginning with broad thematic exploration—focusing
on the interplay between traditional cultural
symbols and contemporary graphic design—I
gradually narrowed my focus to a specific research
question: how visual narratives of heritage can be
reinterpreted in modern branding. Each phase of
the process, from drafting initial proposals to
conducting in-depth visual analyses, required
meticulous planning and iteration. I learned to
navigate various academic tools and platforms,
such as digital literature databases and
referencing software, which streamlined the
research process but also demanded technical
adaptability. The most challenging yet rewarding
aspect was translating theoretical frameworks into
tangible design outputs, ensuring that each
creative decision was underpinned by scholarly
justification. This balance between theory and
practice was continuously negotiated through
weekly tasks, reflective writing, and tutor-led
workshops, which collectively fostered a deeper,
more nuanced engagement with design research as a
hybrid discipline.
Observation：
Throughout the module, I observed several key
patterns in my own development as a researcher.
Initially, my writing leaned heavily toward
descriptive summarisation—particularly evident in
early literature reviews and theme-based chapters,
where I listed existing viewpoints without critically
evaluating their relevance or gaps. Through detailed
feedback, I recognized the need to shift from “what”
to “why” and “how,” forging clearer connections
between theory, visual evidence, and argumentation. I
also noticed how structured guidance—such as templates
for methodology sections, examples of strong visual
analysis, and journal submission guidelines—helped
demystify academic conventions and raised my awareness
of disciplinary standards. Particularly insightful was
the emphasis on visual-material reasoning: images were
not merely illustrations but central artefacts
requiring interpretive frameworks. Additionally,
observing peers’ presentations and written work
highlighted diverse methodological approaches, from
semiotic analysis to participatory design research,
broadening my understanding of what constitutes valid
evidence in design studies. This collective learning
environment underscored the importance of dialogue,
revision, and intellectual humility in advancing
research quality.
Findings：
This module revealed that meaningful design research
is not linear but iterative, demanding constant
negotiation between creative intuition and scholarly
discipline. I discovered that investigating
traditional culture within contemporary design
contexts requires more than aesthetic adaptation—it
calls for critical contextualisation, historical
awareness, and ethical consideration of cultural
representation. The process highlighted the value of
methodological transparency: clearly articulating how
data is collected, analysed, and interpreted
strengthens the credibility and reproducibility of
research outcomes. Furthermore, I gained practical
insight into the publication process, learning how to
tailor content for different audiences—whether a
dissertation committee or a peer-reviewed journal—by
adjusting depth, tone, and structure. On a personal
level, I found that sustained engagement with feedback
cultivates resilience and sharpens self-editing
skills, turning drafts into coherent, persuasive
narratives. Ultimately, this experience has not only
equipped me with concrete research competencies but
also shaped my identity as a reflective practitioner
capable of bridging cultural theory, visual
communication, and design innovation in future
professional and academic endeavours.
Thank You
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