Assignment 1: brief

CCDDN 271: Design Ideas in Context [design as inquiry] TRI ONE 2010 Assignment One: Abstract, argument and annotated bibliography for final research paper Deliverables: 300 word abstract, thesis statement and annotated bibliography of 5 sources Submission format: word document Assessment: 15% of final grade Due: 30 April 2010 **This assignment should be printed out and physically handed in to your tutor on Fri. 30 April Brief: Assignment 1 will serve as preparation for your final research paper and assist you in developing your own critical methodology and personal reading list—a primary objective of this course. Within a 300 word abstract, this assignment asks you to formulate an original and thoughtful research question and summarize the scope of your research inquiry. This assignment also will allow tutors to work more closely with you to help you develop and refine your investigation and supposition prior to beginning your final research paper. In addition to composing a thoughtful and concise abstract and thesis statement, project two requires that you compile an annotated bibliography describing 5 sources, 4 of which must be scholarly sources.

Expectations: 300 word abstract, which includes the following—a clear, concise thesis statement and description of the scope and aims of your research investigation annotated bibliography of 5 sources –each source must be followed by a 2-3 sentence summary of the principle argument/s and scope of the text (i.e. ―the annotation‖); please note that 4 of the 5 sources must be ―scholarly‖ –that means a book, peer-reviewed article, or other published source. No more than 3 web-based sources may be used and these must be described for their merit in the annotation.

Examples: thesis statement: ―As modern technology offers us increasingly more options, many people today find that they desire fewer rather than more objects in their lives. With this project, I will research the contemporary ‗Organic‘ design movement in order to reveal how the exploration of natural forms and structures can lead to the discovery of more economical frameworks and systems in design. I will argue that in looking to nature as a model, rather than technology, design will be able to provide better (and fewer) solutions for the needs of tomorrow. ― annotation: Benyus, Janine M. Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. New York: Morrow, 1997. In Biomimicry Janine Benyus sets out the principle tenets of a design methodology rooted in the scientific study of nature. Benyus argues that the study of natural systems, infrastructures, and solutions offers designers models and strategies that can coexist harmoniously with nature, rather than dominating and exploiting it. In the first seven chapters, Benyus establishes the theoretical and ethical background for her argument, as well as a series of examples of biomimicry at work in science and design. In the final chapter, which addresses industrial ecology, Benyus outlines "ten lessons" that an ecologically aware company, culture, or economy should practice, and argues that in following these lessons we will establish a healthier, more symbiotic relationship with our natural environment.