Design Research Dissertation - Research Implementation - Draft Dissertation

⭐ 23/9/2024 - 4/11/2024 (Week 1 - Week 7)

🎀 Yan Zhi Xuan | 0369425 

💜 Design Research Dissertation | Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media | Taylor's University

📚 Research Implementation - Draft Dissertation

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1. LECTURES & WORK PROGRESS

Week 1: Overview and Preparation 

The initial week involved an introduction to the module, outlining the required tasks and deliverables. We were guided on how to structure their dissertations to identify gaps and address key research questions. Revisiting previous critical reviews and creating a literature review matrix were recommended as foundational steps to prepare for upcoming discussions and tasks. 

Doc. 1.1 Module Information Booklet - Design Research Dissertation.

Doc. 1.2 Guideline to Writing a Dissertation.

During this week, I did a Literature Review Matrix:

Click HERE to view the Google Sheets.

Doc. 1.3 Literature Review Matrix.

Week 2: Literature Review 

The focus shifted to developing a comprehensive literature review. We were encouraged to utilize academic databases to find peer-reviewed articles, prioritize frequently cited works, and ensure the objectivity and relevance of sources. Tools like Mendeley were recommended for reference management. Strategies such as colour-coding important points, cross-referencing key themes, and summarizing major trends were employed to identify gaps in the literature. We needed to conclude this section by highlighting key contributors, recurring themes, and unresolved questions in the field.

This is my first draft of Section: Literature Review:

Doc. 1.4 2.0 Literature Review.

Week 3: Research Methodology

The Research Methodology section was crafted to explain the approach, methods, and tools used in the study. I wrote justifications for the chosen methods that were supported by relevant citations, with an emphasis on aligning the methodology with the research objectives. Key components included research design, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and ensuring validity and reliability. A concluding paragraph linked the methodology to the subsequent findings and discussions.

Doc. 1.5 Guideline to Write Research Methodology.

This is my first draft of Section: Research Methodology:

Doc. 1.6 3.0 Research Methodology.

Weeks 4-5: Results and Discussion 

The Results section presented key findings, supported by statistical analyses and visual aids like tables, graphs, and figures. Proper labelling and alignment with the methodology were emphasized. In the Discussion section, findings were interpreted to address research questions, justify the approach, and critically evaluate the study. I needed to ensure the connections to the literature review were highlighted, alongside reflections on research limitations and implications for future work.

Doc. 1.7 Guideline to Write Results and Discussion.

This is my first draft of Section: Research Results and Findings:

Doc. 1.8 4.0 Research Results and Findings.

This is my first draft of Section: Discussion:

Doc. 1.9 5.0 Discussion.

Week 6: Conclusion, Introduction, and Abstract

Students worked on crafting the Conclusion, Introduction, and Abstract sections. The Conclusion summarises the study's findings, their significance, and recommendations for further research. The Introduction provided a roadmap for readers, summarizing the research problem and objectives without excessive citations. The Abstract offered a concise summary of the dissertation, typically within 150–300 words. Additional elements, such as a table of contents, acknowledgements, and appendices, were also finalized during this phase.

Doc. 1.10 Guideline to Write Conclusion, Introduction, and Abstract.

This is my first draft of Section: Research Methodology:

Doc. 1.11 1.0 Introduction.

This is my first draft of Section: Conclusion and Project Design Recommendation:

Doc. 1.12 6.0 Conclusion, 7.0 Project Design Recommendation.

This is my first draft of Section: Acknowledgement and Abstract:

Doc. 1.13 Acknowledgement and Abstract

Week 7: Final Submission of Draft Dissertation

The final week was dedicated to completing the draft dissertation. Challenges that I faced included maintaining a structured writing process, adhering to word count requirements, and ensuring proper formatting, especially with pagination. I did some revisions that involved expanding the research background, refining the conceptual framework, and integrating feedback from previous weeks. I also did a thorough review to minimize errors and ensure a polished submission.

Doc. 1.14 Final Draft Dissertation.

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2. FEEDBACK

Week 1

First class so no remarks.

Week 2

Reread old design methodology and articles to better understand and compare arguments. My working title was fine but I needed to enhance the Literature Review Matrix by comparing and contrasting articles, highlighting similarities and differences. Reorganize the sequence of 'character style' and 'characters and emotions' to ensure a logical flow.

Week 3

I was instructed to replace one article as it didn’t align with others; use similarities in secondary data to organize subtopics.

Week 4

We needed to treat the literature review as a critical evaluation; use bullet points to organize key arguments.

Week 5

I was instructed to review articles thoroughly, focus on subtopics, and don’t get overwhelmed by too much information. We needed to complete the reflection sheet as it serves as a tool to articulate challenges, obstacles, and emotions experienced during the process.

Week 6

Discussions can be descriptive and take time, but time management is key to balancing assignments. I were told that the abstract should be written after completing the Discussion and Conclusion sections; current progress is satisfactory.

Week 7

The complete draft dissertation is due this weekend. Table and diagram labels should correspond to their respective sections. Avoid starting sentences with 'for' and 'from' to maintain academic writing standards.

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3. REFLECTION

Experiences

The dissertation process was a transformative journey that combined theoretical learning with practical application. Each phase taught me something new—whether it was mastering reference management tools, analyzing data critically, or presenting findings effectively. It was a rewarding experience to see how each section built upon the previous one, creating a cohesive narrative.

Observations

Throughout the process, I observed how detailed planning and incremental progress could make even a daunting task manageable. The iterative nature of writing—drafting, receiving feedback, revising—reinforced the importance of flexibility and adaptability in research. I also noticed the challenges of maintaining motivation and focus over several weeks, which required effective time management and self-discipline.

Findings

The journey highlighted the interconnectedness of research components—from literature review to methodology to discussion. Each section played a crucial role in building a comprehensive and coherent study. I also found that actively engaging with feedback and being open to revisions significantly improved the quality of my work.