Module Details

Module Code: MMED9032
Title: UX and SD MSc Project Proposal
Long Title: UX and SD MSc 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: Within this module the student will investigate the viability of a potential research proposal within the field of User Experience or Service design. As part of this, the state of the art will be defined, and the student will explore and employ a range of research methodologies, methods and tools to enable them to define methods for research, translate theory to a reasoned test methodology, interpret results and to distinguish trends leading to reasoned and informed findings. This will culminate in a detailed research proposal that will outline the topic of interest, project plan, as well as a series of project objectives, proposed methodologies, and evaluation criteria that will be following when executing a comprehensive Master of Science project.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Initiate and manage the organisation of all aspects and stages of a research project.
LO2 Initiate and develop a detailed scientific project proposal to appropriate scholarly standards.
LO3 Demonstrate an understanding of the current state-of-the art relating to new and complex research areas.
LO4 Critically reflect and refine iteratively the most appropriate research approach, methods, and techniques for the formulation, analysis, solution and communication of a complex design research problem.
LO5 Analyse past and contemporary research publications that give relevant context to the nature of the proposed research topic.
LO6 Create a focused research 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
Determination of state of the art
Review of peer-reviewed scientific literature: use of on-line databases, analysis of scientific papers, synthesis of key points. Intellectual property analysis, patent searching and analysis. Identification and review of scientific literature from research institutes and government agencies, commercial technical literature. Determination of current industrial practice and trends, including sustainability.
Desk Research
Introduction to a range of traditional and online information sources and services, searching strategies, conducting a literature review.
Formulating the Research Idea
Formulating a research problem. Clarifying the goals and purposes of research. Development and refinement of the research idea. Creating a research hypothesis. Making decisions about sources of information.
Defining the User Group
Identifying and defining the user groups. Input of and contact with user groups. Concepts in usability, HCI, experience and service design
Selecting Research Methods
Employing qualitative and/or qualitative research methods and justifying information-gathering strategies and techniques.
Managing the Research Workload
Developing a strategy for the implementation of the MSc project. Time and resource management.
Research Ethics
Introduction to standard operating practices with regards to ethical research practice, including: how to apply ethical principles in study design; where to apply ethical principles in ethics applications; the different roles within ethics and safety frameworks, dealing with ethical dilemmas and the processes of applying for ethics approval within the University.
Optimising and integrating inputs.
Presentation of Project Proposal Development of full project proposal. Relevant industry and scholarly standards. Formatting and styling. Developing and justifying the research argument.
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
The learner will make an interim presentation that should describe their research process, areas of interest, and a selection of potential research topics
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
The learner will submit a Research Proposal of approximately 5,000 words which will include details of the research question and statement, a literature review, methodologies identified, the research design and references.
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
Lab 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
  • Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup, William T. FitzGerald. (2016), The Craft of Research, 4th. [ISBN: 022623973X].
  • Gina Wisker. (2007), The Postgraduate Research Handbook: Succeed with your MA, MPhil, EdD and PhD, [ISBN: 0230521304].
  • Keith F Punch. (2016), Developing Effective Research Proposals, [ISBN: 1473916380].
  • Bill Moggridge. (2007), Designing Interactions, MIT Press, [ISBN: 9780262134743].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Martin Brett Davies. (2014), Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods, [ISBN: 1137306424].
  • John W. Creswell, J. David Creswell. (2018), Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, [ISBN: 1506386768].
  • Thomas, Gary. (2017), How to do your Research Project, Sage Publications Ltd. London, [ISBN: 9781473948877].
  • Patrick Forsyth. (2019), How to Write Reports and Proposals: Create Attention-Grabbing Documents that Achieve Your Goals, [ISBN: 1789660033].
  • David Travis. (2019), Think Like a UX Researcher: How to Observe Users, Influence Design, and Shape Business Strategy, [ISBN: 1138365297].
  • Canziba, Elvis. (2018), Hands-On UX Design for Developers : Design, Prototype, and Implement Compelling User Experiences from Scratch, [ISBN: 9781788626699].
  • Grant, Will. (2018), 101 UX Principles: A Definitive Design Guide, [ISBN: 9781788837361].
  • Rosenzweig, Elizabeth. (2015), Successful User Experience: Strategies and Roadmaps, [ISBN: 9780128009857].
  • 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].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HUXSR_9 Master of Science in User Experience and Service Design 2 Mandatory