Social research methods for design students

I designed and taught a social research class in the Design Academy, Eindhoven. It focused on how first year students could integrate social research theory and social research methodologies into their design practice. The course introduced students to broad sociological theory, and how to employ qualitative research in design thinking.

The class was a subpart of course taught by Olle Lundin. This is what he had to say about the course, in a TedX interview:

‘[I teach] design methodology, a basic structure to think about the process of design, rather than just ask a basic question and look for an end goal. We are giving the students tools to explore the various parts of the research, the analysis, the early sketches, and the concept stage, all the way to testing and the product launch.

What makes it exciting for me is to implement anthropology and sociology within the arguments that students define. I find that at the heart of design. To me, objects – communication design – are all arguments for a certain action, or ask a certain thing from the user. That’s how we try to frame the assignment that we give… And happily, we are now also working with an anthropologist, [Anna Devereux] in the class. Which is super nice!’

The Design Academy, Eindhoven

The DAE is renowned design institute located in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Established in 1947, the academy has a rich history of producing some of the world's leading designers. The academy is known for its innovative and student-centric approach to design education, with a focus on practical and project-based learning. DAE is a University of the Arts, offering both BA and MA degrees, specialised in training students in different design perspectives in order to produce critical and socially engaged designers.