DP 1: Diving into Design

Sensitizing excersizes.

Research for Design

by Marijke Melles

Human-Centred Design is a process that begins with investigating users, their needs, and the systems around them. Research is an integral part of the process, which helps establish a well-defined problem so that you can design the right solution. And good research requires curiosity, openmindedness and an eye for what’s going on in the world around.

This course explores how to do research and how to implement it in your design process.

There are many ways to describe the design process, but one way to look at it is that in order to find the right solution you first have to find the right problem. Defining the problem means asking questions like what are the motives or behaviours of the people you are designing for and what is the bigger system they are part of? Once you have the right problem, you can design the right solution.

The Delft design process thrives on research: research with users, research into the social-technical ecosystems they are part of, research into usability and into materials. Learn how to define the right research questions, how to analyse the findings or data and how to use that in your design process. Explore different research techniques like interviewing, observing and using questionnaires. Then put knowledge into practice working in a studio on research from the Delft Design Labs .

Learning about research is useful in all design projects and prepares you for becoming a Delft designer.

“In this course we want to spark students’ enthusiasm for research and help them see the value of research driven design. And we aim to make students aware and proud about being a Delft designer because research is what sets us apart.”

Understanding Values

by Lise Magnier

Design is never neutral. There are always (un)intended consequences that can be social, ethical or political in nature. This course aims to bring awareness of how to deal with the complex global issues the world is facing. Helping students to master the different nuances and start embracing them. Learning to design with intent and a sense of moral responsibility.

This course is about preparing designers to deal with the complex issues they will face in a world full of unprecedented challenges. Choices made in the design process always have consequences, both positive and negative, depending on your perspective or interests. The products, services and systems we design will need to be inclusive and sustainable. This course aims to provide understanding of the complexity inherent to this challenge.

Learn to incorporate ethics and different stakeholder values in the design process. Identify and map-out these values in the context of a new productservice system. Consider who or what benefits from - or is harmed by – this innovation. Learn to analyse and explain possible value conflicts, with the goal of defining a desirable value proposition for all stakeholders, which includes the environment.

Develop skills in systems thinking and value flow modelling. Get exposed to a mindset, methods and tools to reflect on values, consequences and the responsibility of being a designer. Ultimately, create a personal code of conduct for your professional future.

“I am proud that students get to consider the ethics of designing under different lenses so early in the curriculum. Often you don’t see this until the master’s programme, but that they get it so prominently in their first year is important.”