29.08.2022 - 25.09.2022 / Week 1- 4
Yung Siew Weng / 0339847
Design Research Methodology / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Project 1 / Research Proposal
LECTURES
#WEEK 1
For the first week of the semester, a quick introduction to module information had been briefed by Dr. Hayati and Dr. Jinchi. Additionally, several lectures from BDCM gave a quick brief on the varieties of specialisation during the session. It seem to be very knowledgable, as it really assisted me to know more on my area of study.
Moreover, there are some supplement study provided in Microsoft Teams to boost our knowledge toward the modules.
DRM LECTURES #1: What is Research?
DRM LECTURES #1: The Research Problem (Important Notes)
1. What is Research Problem?
Research Problem is paramount to the success of a research effort. A research problem can begin with something simple to something very complex, depending on the nature of the research theme. In ICT, with new emerging technologies, many research problems may be churned from issues in performance, reliability and daily user applications.
The formulation of a research problem is the first and most important step of the research process. This is more like identifying a destination prior to beginning a journey. A research problem is like the foundation of a building. The type and architecture of the building depends on the foundations. If the foundation is well designed and strong, you can expect the building to be strong as well.
2. Five Factors to consider in selecting a Research Problems
When selecting a research problem for the study, there are few factors which need to be consider.
When selecting a research problem for the study, there are few factors which need to be consider.
Fig 1.1 Considerations in selecting a research problem
Figure 1.1 shows the factors to consider in selecting a research problem. These factors will ensure that the research process is more manageable and you will remain motivated.
3. Steps In Research Problem Formulation
In any research task, the formulation of a research problem is the most important part of the research process. The process of formulating a research problem( (Figure 1.2) consists of number of steps.
Fig 1.2 Steps involved in formulating research problem
*The most important is to formulate a problem that is carefully phrased and represents the single goal of the total research effort.
4. Sub-problems in Research and their characteristics
While constructing your research problem, you might come across several sub- problems.
- What is Sub-problems in Research?
Sub-problems are sub-parts of the main research problem you designed. As a student, we must be able to distinguish sub-problems that are an integral part of the main problem from things that look like problems but are nothing more than procedural issues. The latter is actually pseudo-subproblems which involve decisions the researcher must make before he/she can resolve the research problem and its subproblems.
- Characteristic of Sub-problems?
- Each sub-problem should be a Completely Researchable Unit (constitute a logical sub-area of the larger research undertaking)
- Each sub-problem must be clearly Tied to Interpretation of the data
- The sub-problems must add up to the totality of the problem
- Sub-problems should be small in number (If the main problem is carefully stated, the researcher will find that it usually contains two to six sub-problems)
#WEEK 2
DRM LECTURES #2: Problem Statement, Research Question, Research Objective
DRM LECTURES #2: Developing your Research Question
DRM LECTURES #2: Identifying a Research Problem and Question, and Searching Relevant Literature (notes)
1. Research Problem
- What Is a Research Problem?
A research problem, or phenomenon as it might be called in many forms of qualitative research, is the topic you would like to address, investigate, or study, whether descriptively or experimentally. It is the focus or reason for engaging in your research. It is typically a topic, phenomenon, or challenge that you are interested in and with which you are at least somewhat familiar.
2. Research Question
- What Is a Research Question?
A research question is a way of expressing your interest in a problem or phenomenon. Research questions are not necessarily an attempt to answer the many philosophical questions that often arise in schools, and they are certainly not intended to be an avenue for grinding personal axes regarding classroom or school issues. You may have more than one research question for a study, depending on the complexity and breadth of your proposed work.
A research question is a way of expressing your interest in a problem or phenomenon. Research questions are not necessarily an attempt to answer the many philosophical questions that often arise in schools, and they are certainly not intended to be an avenue for grinding personal axes regarding classroom or school issues. You may have more than one research question for a study, depending on the complexity and breadth of your proposed work.
- Characteristics of Good Research Question
- Are specific
- Are clear
- Refer to the problem or phenomenon
- Reflect the intervention in experimental research
- Note the target group of participants
Fig 2.1 Examples and Non examples of Good Research Questions
3. Research Hypothesis
- What Is a Research Hypothesis?
A research hypothesis essentially is a declarative statement of how you expect the research to turn out. In a way, it is a possible answer to your research question.
A research hypothesis essentially is a declarative statement of how you expect the research to turn out. In a way, it is a possible answer to your research question.
4. Literature Review
- Purposes of Literature Review
- To help figure out what works
- To pursue a topic, problem, or question of professional and/or personal interest
- To pinpoint an area of further study
- To provide a rationale/ background for study
- To survey or analyse research methodology
5. Process of Conducting a Literature Search
- Determine your focus
STEP 1 : Picking a topic
STEP 2 : Making a decision about what to include and exclude
STEP 3 : Translating the topic into key terms
- Searching Literature Databases
Generally speaking, we can search literature electronically or by hand. Certainly, using an online database is far more efficient than searching stacks of journals in the library. Nevertheless, even if begin a search online, you may find yourself hand searching the reference lists of selected articles to find additional sources. The figure 2.2 below is the tips to conduct an electronic search.
Fig 2.2 Tips for Conducting an Electronic ERIC search
DRM LECTURES #2: How to Write a Problem Statement (notes)
A “Problem Statement” is a description of a difficulty or lack that needs to be solved or at least researched to see whether a solution can be found. It can also be described as either a gap between the real and the desired or a contradiction between principle and practice.
1. What is the goal of a statement of problem?
Writing a Problem Statement should help you clearly identify the purpose of the project you will propose. Often, the Problem Statement will also serve as the basis for the introductory section of your final proposal, directing your readers’ attention quickly to the issues that your proposed project will address and providing the reader with a concise statement of the proposed project itself.
The ultimate goal of a problem statement is to transform a generalised problem (something that bothers you; a perceived lack) into a targeted, well-defined problem one that can be resolved through focused research and careful decision-making.
Writing a Problem Statement should help you clearly identify the purpose of the project you will propose. Often, the Problem Statement will also serve as the basis for the introductory section of your final proposal, directing your readers’ attention quickly to the issues that your proposed project will address and providing the reader with a concise statement of the proposed project itself.
2. What is the format (parts of a problem statement)?
A persuasive problem statement consists of three parts:
- Part A the ideal : Describes a desired goal or ideal situation; explains how things should be.
- Part B the reality : Describes a condition that prevents the goal, state, or value in Part A from being achieved or realised at this time; explains how the current situation falls short of the goal or ideal.
- Part C the consequences : Identifies the way you propose to improve the current situation and move it closer to the goal or ideal.
- Step 1 (Statement 1) : Construct Statement 1 by describing a goal or desired state of a given situation, phenomenon etc. This will build the ideal situation (what should be, what is expected, desired)
- Step 2 (statement 2) : Describe a condition that prevents the goal, state, or value discussed in step 1 from being achieved or realised at the present time. This will build the reality, the situation as it is and establish a gap between what ought to be and what is.
- Step 3 : Connect steps 1 and 2 using a term such as “but,” “however,” “Unfortunately,” or “in spite of”;
- Step 4 (Statement 3) : Using specific details show how the situation in step 2 contains little promise of improvement unless something is done. Then emphasise the benefits of research by projecting the consequences of possible solutions as well.
#WEEK 3
DRM LECTURES #3: Research Questions, Research Objectives# Important Notes :
1. Research
- an organised and systematic study of a problem where the researcher attempts to address or find solution to the problem.
- In order to properly address the problem, specific questions and clearly defined objectives are important.
2. Research Question
- an answerable inquiry into a specific concern or issue. It is the initial step in a research project, derived from the problem statement or research objectives.
- influences the strategy that is employed in order to either provide answers to the questions or verify hypothesis.
3. Research Objective
- What a researcher expects to accomplish by the end of a research project.
- Derived from problem statement or research questions.
- Without objectives, a researcher is aimless and directionless in conducting the study.
DRM LECTURES #3: Formulating Research Questions & Connecting to Research Objectives
# Important Notes :
1. Sources of Research Question
a. Mastering the search of published literature
- continue review of work of others in the area of interest
b. Being alert to new ideas and technique
- Observe scholar and practitioner research outcomes/ conferences/ pod cast and other form of publication.
- Having a skeptical attitude about prevailing beliefs.
- Applying new technologies to old issues.
c. Keeping the imagination roaming
- Careful observation; teaching and learning, tenacity.
d. Your supervisor or peer as guide/ mentor
2. Category of Research Question
The research questions had divided into two categories ;
a. Descriptive Questions
- Involve observations to measure quantity.
- No comparison groups/ interventions.
b. Analytical Questions
- Involve comparisons/ interventions to test a hypothesis.
3. Steps in Conceiving a Research Question
Fig 3.1 Steps in conceiving a research question
4. Characteristics of good Hypothesis
- Simple (one exposure, one outcome)
- Specific (no ambiguity about study participants/ variables)
- Stated in advance (written at outset, focused on primary objectives)
#WEEK 4
- LIBILW APA reference Briefing & Workshop -
Project 1 : Research Proposal
MODULE INFORMATION
INSTRUCTION
We are instructed to select a topic within the realms of multimedia, art and design, and visual culture which we are interested in studying by focusing on a specific area in the particular topic (UI/UX, Entertainment Design, Graphic Design, Digital Animation, Simulation Design and Immersive Design). Subsequently, to integrate issues or themes encompassing either Design Culture or Design for Future Making or Social Design as an element that can be chosen to be integrated and ultimately drive the meaningful design research. The selection should be based not only on interest but also on adequate and substantial research from relevant academic sources.
EXPLORATION
For the first week of the semester, we are instructed to :
- Specialisation confirmation
- Research on the area of study and exploring potential research topics
- Finding potential reference sources from Google Scholar
- Writing the first draft: provide rationale (200-300 words) with research evidence and establishment of an area (research problem) on where you are interested to conduct research about.
As I was somewhat confusion on the assignment requirements, so I did the draft proposal based on my self understanding and perform it in class during the class session on week 2.
#Draft Proposal 1 :
Fig 4.1 Draft Proposal 1, PDF (Week 2/ 09.09.2022)
Feedback - Week 2 / 08.09.2022 @ Draft Proposal 1
Specific Feedback :
1. The draft writing ‘problem statement’ should be the ‘research problem’. Problem statement is long and with citation.
2. Study the current issue towards e-commerce, finding sources online and make decisions for the research topic.
3. Find a specific e-commerce application for research. For example, a comparison between Shopee and Lazada.
Specific Feedback :
1. The draft writing ‘problem statement’ should be the ‘research problem’. Problem statement is long and with citation.
2. Study the current issue towards e-commerce, finding sources online and make decisions for the research topic.
3. Find a specific e-commerce application for research. For example, a comparison between Shopee and Lazada.
After receiving the feedbacks from Dr. Hayati, I gained a better understanding towards the module requirement. And, I continued on the draft proposal 2 for the progression check on the next session.
#Draft Proposal 2 :
Fig 4.2 Draft Proposal 2, PDF (Week 3/ 16.09.2022)
Feedback - Week 3 / 15.09.2022 @ Draft Proposal 2
Specific Feedback :
1. For research problems, when indicating the problem, reliable sources should be provided to stand the problem. For example, if saying shopee are having a poor UI/UX design, we need some sources to support the statement.
2. For the research content, may take Amazon as an example to make comparison towards the UI/UX design with Shopee, so that you are able to identify the real issue for the e-commerce industry.
3. For rationale, use the third person indication to indicate yourself. For example, the researcher named Yung. Yung ….
1. For research problems, when indicating the problem, reliable sources should be provided to stand the problem. For example, if saying shopee are having a poor UI/UX design, we need some sources to support the statement.
2. For the research content, may take Amazon as an example to make comparison towards the UI/UX design with Shopee, so that you are able to identify the real issue for the e-commerce industry.
3. For rationale, use the third person indication to indicate yourself. For example, the researcher named Yung. Yung ….
#Draft Proposal 3 :
Fig 4.3 Draft Proposal 3, PDF (Week 4/ 23.09.2022)
Feedback - Week 4 / 22.09.2022 @ Draft Proposal 3
Specific Feedback :
1. Reasoning why you choose Shopee/ Lazada as your topic. (maybe the popularity etc)
2. The research topic :
- If you refer to shopee, amazon, ebay etc, instead of saying UI/UX design of e-commerce application, it is better to state it as “UI/UX design of online e-commerce application”.
- Narrow down the research, nor broaden the research. Although your topic is specified as shopee, you can still make comparisons between shopee and other online e-commerce applications.
- Instead of saying the lack of user engagement, the challenges of producing good UI/UX design for user engagement in e-commerce applications is more suitable for your research problem.
3. The Research Objectives :
3. The Research Objectives :
- The objective “to understand the importance of UI/UX design towards user engagement” is not necessary as it is generally important nevertheless before or after the research.
- It does not understand user preference, it’s the user's engagements, which you can do research on how the users of Lazada and Shopee experienced when they browse the application.
#Final Draft Proposal :
Fig 4.4 Final Draft Proposal, PDF (Week 4/ 25.09.2022)
Fig 4.5 Final Draft Proposal, PPT slide, PDF (Week 4/ 25.09.2022)
Feedback - Week 5 / 29.09.2022 @ Final Draft Proposal
Specific Feedback:
1. As your study is talking about the UI/UX of shopee, so the article for critical review hopefully is clear enough to indicate the findings by the author, and you might take a comparison between the author’s findings and yours.
2. Your reference format is not an APA reference.
3. The challenges of shopee might be the dispute department etc..
4. Try to have 2 research questions for one research objective. (or 1 ques for 1 objective, in case balance the number)
5. The objective “ to discover the user engagement towards UI/UX design in online e-commerce applications” might not be so suitable in this terms of research, but “to compare and contrast UI/UX design on different online applications such as Amazon and Shopee would be more approachable”.
6. As the changes of objectives, “A comparative study of UI/UX design on e-commerce platforms with special reference on Shopee and Amazon.” might be more applicable in this situation.
Specific Feedback:
1. As your study is talking about the UI/UX of shopee, so the article for critical review hopefully is clear enough to indicate the findings by the author, and you might take a comparison between the author’s findings and yours.
2. Your reference format is not an APA reference.
3. The challenges of shopee might be the dispute department etc..
4. Try to have 2 research questions for one research objective. (or 1 ques for 1 objective, in case balance the number)
5. The objective “ to discover the user engagement towards UI/UX design in online e-commerce applications” might not be so suitable in this terms of research, but “to compare and contrast UI/UX design on different online applications such as Amazon and Shopee would be more approachable”.
6. As the changes of objectives, “A comparative study of UI/UX design on e-commerce platforms with special reference on Shopee and Amazon.” might be more applicable in this situation.
#Final Outcome - Final Research Proposal (Revised) :
Fig 4.6 Final Outcome Research Proposal, PDF (Week 7/ 10.10.2022)
Fig 4.7 Final Outcome Research Proposal, PPT Slide, PDF (Week 7/ 10.10.2022)
FEEDBACK
Week 2 / 08.09.2022 @ Draft Proposal 1
Specific Feedback :
1. The draft writing ‘problem statement’ should be the ‘research problem’. Problem statement is long and with citation.
2. Study the current issue towards e-commerce, finding sources online and make decisions for the research topic.
3. Find a specific e-commerce application for research. For example, a comparison between Shopee and Lazada.
Specific Feedback :
1. The draft writing ‘problem statement’ should be the ‘research problem’. Problem statement is long and with citation.
2. Study the current issue towards e-commerce, finding sources online and make decisions for the research topic.
3. Find a specific e-commerce application for research. For example, a comparison between Shopee and Lazada.
Week 3 / 15.09.2022 @ Draft Proposal 2
Specific Feedback :
1. For research problems, when indicating the problem, reliable sources should be provided to stand the problem. For example, if saying shopee are having a poor UI/UX design, we need some sources to support the statement.
2. For the research content, may take Amazon as an example to make comparison towards the UI/UX design with Shopee, so that you are able to identify the real issue for the e-commerce industry.
3. For rationale, use the third person indication to indicate yourself. For example, the researcher named Yung. Yung ….
1. For research problems, when indicating the problem, reliable sources should be provided to stand the problem. For example, if saying shopee are having a poor UI/UX design, we need some sources to support the statement.
2. For the research content, may take Amazon as an example to make comparison towards the UI/UX design with Shopee, so that you are able to identify the real issue for the e-commerce industry.
3. For rationale, use the third person indication to indicate yourself. For example, the researcher named Yung. Yung ….
Week 4 / 22.09.2022 @ Draft Proposal 3
Specific Feedback :
1. Reasoning why you choose Shopee/ Lazada as your topic. (maybe the popularity etc)
2. The research topic :
- If you refer to shopee, amazon, ebay etc, instead of saying UI/UX design of e-commerce application, it is better to state it as “UI/UX design of online e-commerce application”.
- Narrow down the research, nor broaden the research. Although your topic is specified as shopee, you can still make comparisons between shopee and other online e-commerce applications.
- Instead of saying the lack of user engagement, the challenges of producing good UI/UX design for user engagement in e-commerce applications is more suitable for your research problem.
3. The Research Objectives :
3. The Research Objectives :
- The objective “to understand the importance of UI/UX design towards user engagement” is not necessary as it is generally important nevertheless before or after the research.
- It does not understand user preference, it’s the user's engagements, which you can do research on how the users of Lazada and Shopee experienced when they browse the application.
Week 5 / 29.09.2022 @ Final Draft Proposal
Specific Feedback:
1. As your study is talking about the UI/UX of shopee, so the article for critical review hopefully is clear enough to indicate the findings by the author, and you might take a comparison between the author’s findings and yours.
2. Your reference format is not an APA reference.
3. The challenges of shopee might be the dispute department etc..
4. Try to have 2 research questions for one research objective. (or 1 ques for 1 objective, in case balance the number)
5. The objective “ to discover the user engagement towards UI/UX design in online e-commerce applications” might not be so suitable in this terms of research, but “to compare and contrast UI/UX design on different online applications such as Amazon and Shopee would be more approachable”.
6. As the changes of objectives, “A comparative study of UI/UX design on e-commerce platforms with special reference on Shopee and Amazon.” might be more applicable in this situation.
Specific Feedback:
1. As your study is talking about the UI/UX of shopee, so the article for critical review hopefully is clear enough to indicate the findings by the author, and you might take a comparison between the author’s findings and yours.
2. Your reference format is not an APA reference.
3. The challenges of shopee might be the dispute department etc..
4. Try to have 2 research questions for one research objective. (or 1 ques for 1 objective, in case balance the number)
5. The objective “ to discover the user engagement towards UI/UX design in online e-commerce applications” might not be so suitable in this terms of research, but “to compare and contrast UI/UX design on different online applications such as Amazon and Shopee would be more approachable”.
6. As the changes of objectives, “A comparative study of UI/UX design on e-commerce platforms with special reference on Shopee and Amazon.” might be more applicable in this situation.
REFLECTION
Week 1
I had experience with the module, Design Research Methodology and how it goes. It was out of my expectation towards the module, as it was a research, writing based module compared to other modules. Moreover, I found out that the module is connected to our next semester, in which we need to choose a great research topic for further research.
Week 2
After receiving the feedback, I gained a better understanding towards the requirement. I had observed that scholar articles are more reliable than Google sites which have more detailed information given.Furthermore, I found that I should be well-prepared before the class and do more research towards the research proposal.
Week 3
This week, I figured out the meaning of ‘rationale’ and ‘problem statement’. The idea of rationale is to explain the reason why you choose the research problem. It can be stated as thought in my standpoint. Whereas, problem statements need to have the academic citation. Additionally, using third person indication when describing self standpoint is important for a research.
Week 4
It can stated my ways of thinking make the research become worse. I should maintain the concept of using an application for research instead of widening the areas of study. Luckily, Dr. Hayati helped me with it patiently. I should do more research to boost my statements. Moreover, there are many “words” that make the research become terrible although the original meaning is not. When doing formal research, the use of phrases for the paper should be in consideration.
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