Module Details

Module Code: MMED9031
Title: UX and SD MA Project Proposal
Long Title: UX and SD MA Project Proposal
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 2130 - Multimedia
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: The aim of this module is to foster the systematic development of concepts, from initial ideas to the final formulations that can be proposed for actual development. Within this module the student will investigate the viability of a potential design proposal within the field of User Experience or Service design. As part of this the student will engage in a process that will involve defining, planning and outlining the envisaged scope of a design project. The module allows students to develop a design proposal that is based on sound research methods and practical investigation pertinent to the field of User Experience or Service Design.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse the user group or groups for the project deliverable, research their key characteristics, needs and requirements, and generate a persona or archetype.
LO2 Evaluate and communicate the management and organisation of all aspects and stages of a design project.
LO3 Define a design problem, project aims and ideas by employing a variety of design research methods
LO4 Analyse the broad ethical, sustainable and responsible implications of a project through a project proposal documentation
LO5 Analyse past and contemporary design projects and practitioners, that give relevant context to the nature of the proposed project
LO6 Create a focused design proposal, that outlines the key outputs and milestones that need to be met when designing, implementing and validating a new product or service.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Areas of Investigation
Learners will investigate and develop creative design concepts for various current and future systems, platform and services. They will explore conceptual, content and technical issues associated with different products, platforms, systems and services. In this way they will learn to draft innovative ideas and new solutions for existing platforms/services and to propose approaches for new products/services.
Defining the User Group
Learners will engage in a rigorous process that will help them to identify, define and understand the needs and requirements of a specific user group.
Articulate the design problem
New design concepts will be initiated through a mixture of design and user research, brainstorming, play and evaluation, proposals and concepts. As part of this process these concepts will be examined for usability and feasibility. Learners will follow a user-centred design approach that will require them to engage with key stakeholders (users & clients) from the outset.
Managing the Research Workload
Learners will define and communicate a rigorous design strategy for the implementation of the Master of Arts Project.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
A presentation on work to date, objectives reached, timelines, work plan refinement, risks, etc. Audience to include staff, peers, 15 mins plus questions
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Design Proposal of approximately 2,000 words and supporting images, which will include details of the proposed design criteria/problem/concept. It should also include a state-of-the-art review, design methodologies identified and references.

This report should also include a visual description of early design investigations used to explore the potential of the design concept
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Workshop and lecturing Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact Weekly meeting with project supervisor. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research to support project proposal Every Week 12.00 12
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Workshop and lecturing Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact Weekly meeting with project supervisor. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research to support project proposal Every Week 12.00 12
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Patrick Forsyth. (2019), How to Write Reports and Proposals: Create Attention-Grabbing Documents that Achieve Your Goals (Creating Success, 151), [ISBN: 1789660033].
  • Bill Moggridge. (2007), Designing Interactions, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, [ISBN: 9780262134743].
  • Stuart Walker, Martyn Evans, Tom Cassidy, Amy Twigger Holroyd, Jeyon Jung. (2018), Design Roots Culturally Significant Designs, Products and Practices, [ISBN: 9781350103412].
  • Canziba, Elvis. (2018), Hands-On UX Design for Developers : Design, Prototype, and Implement Compelling User Experiences from Scratch, [ISBN: 9781788626699].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Grant, Will. (2018), 101 UX Principles: A Definitive Design Guide, [ISBN: 9781788837361].
  • Rosenzweig, Elizabeth. (2015), Successful User Experience: Strategies and Roadmaps, [ISBN: 9780128009857].
  • Louise Downe. (2020), Good Services: How to Design Services That Work, [ISBN: 9063695438].
  • Andy Polaine , Lavrans Løvlie , et al.. (2013), Service Design: From Insight to Implementation, [ISBN: 1933820330].
  • Stephanie Marsh. (2022), User Research: Improve Product and Service Design and Enhance Your UX Research, [ISBN: 1398603570].
  • Tom Greever. (2020), Articulating Design Decisions: Communicate with Stakeholders, Keep Your Sanity, and Deliver the Best User Experience, [ISBN: 1492079227].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HUXSE_9 Master of Arts in User Experience and Service Design 2 Mandatory