Design Research Dissertation - Final Compilation & Reflection

26/04/2024 - 26/07/2024 / Week 1-14
Lim Jun Teng / 0362890
Design Research Dissertation / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Final Compilation & Reflection

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Instruction

Week 1 - Week 7

Task 1 - Dissertation Draft

1. Task 1 - Dissertation Draft

1.1 Task 1 - Dissertation Draft - Feedback

WEEK 7

Task 2 - Final Dissertation Turnitin Report

1. Task 2 - Final Dissertation - PDF

1.1 Task 2 - Final Dissertation Turnitin Report- PDF

2. Task 2 - Final Dissertation - PDF (Improved Version)

 

2.2 Task 2 - Final Dissertation Turnitin Report - PDF (Improved Version)

WEEK 7 - WEEK 11

Task 3 - Flipbook

1. Task 3 - Flipbook - E-book link & PDF

Flipbook link : https://online.fliphtml5.com/tfjsg/glhy/#p=1

WEEK 12 - WEEK 14

Task 4 - Research Article Publication - PDF

1. Task 4 - Research Article Publication - PDF

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Feedback:

Week 1

- Begin drafting your research. This initial stage should focus on outlining the key sections and gathering preliminary data. Make sure to identify and list all relevant sources you plan to review.

Week 2

- Continue working on the draft. Expand on the introduction and background sections. Provide a clear context for your research topic and state the importance of the study.

Week 3

- Rewrite the research question and research objective. Ensure the research question aligns with the research objective. This will create a coherent framework for your study and help guide your analysis.

Week 4

- The literature review is too lengthy. Focus on comparing and contrasting the articles. Summarize the main points of each source, and highlight areas of agreement and disagreement among the authors. This will strengthen the critical analysis of your review.

Week 5

- Briefly explain that the Discussion & Analysis section addresses the research problem. Outline the flow of the discussion, indicating how you will transition from presenting data to analyzing it. This section should logically connect your findings to the research question and objectives.

Week 6

- Ensure the Discussion & Analysis relates to the three brands you are using as examples. Discuss these brands in detail, comparing their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. Use these comparisons to illustrate broader trends and insights relevant to your research topic.

Week 7

- Submit the draft this week. Ensure that it includes all major sections: introduction, literature review, methodology, discussion & analysis, and preliminary conclusions. Even if some sections are incomplete, this submission will provide a basis for further feedback.

Week 8

- Independent Week. Use this time to reflect on the feedback received so far and to work on any sections that need more development. Focus particularly on integrating feedback into your draft and expanding your analysis.

Week 9

- Consider changing the color palette and think about suitable layouts for your research topic. A visually appealing and well-organized presentation can enhance the clarity and impact of your research findings.

Week 10

- Absent. Catch up on missed work and review feedback from previous weeks to ensure you are on track.

Week 11

- The title page should be in black and white. Continue working on the task and start Task 4 as soon as possible. Task 4 might involve finalizing certain sections or starting new ones, so plan your time accordingly to meet upcoming deadlines.

Week 12

- Begin Task 4 promptly. This task may include detailed analysis or data collection. Make sure to allocate sufficient time to complete it thoroughly.

Week 13

- Cite your sentences. Include limitations in the conclusion. Ensure the research method limitation aligns with the problems faced in your research. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the scope and boundaries of your study.

Week 14

- Write the limitations based on your research, not on graphic design. Check and cite all uncited sentences. Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity and helps substantiate your arguments.

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Reflection:

On my journey through the "Design Research Dissertation" course, where I explored the topic "Graphic Design in Fast Food Restaurants," I find myself both proud of the achievements and appreciative of the learning experiences encountered along the way.

The course provided a structured approach to understanding the pivotal role that graphic design plays in the fast food industry. From the outset, my objective was to delve into how visual elements like logos, menus, packaging, and in-store graphics influence customer behavior and brand perception. This research was particularly relevant in an industry where visual appeal and quick decision-making are crucial to business success.

One of the most valuable aspects of the course was the emphasis on developing a coherent research question and objective. Initially, I struggled with narrowing down my focus, but the iterative process of refining my research question helped clarify my study’s purpose. This focus was essential in guiding my literature review and methodology, ensuring that my research remained relevant and targeted.

The literature review stage was both enlightening and challenging. It required me to sift through a vast array of sources, critically comparing and contrasting different perspectives on graphic design principles, consumer psychology, and marketing strategies within the fast food sector. This process not only enhanced my analytical skills but also provided a solid theoretical foundation for my research.

During the data collection and analysis phases, I conducted case studies of several prominent fast food brands. Analyzing their graphic design strategies revealed common themes and innovative practices that contribute to their success. This practical application of theoretical knowledge was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to connect abstract concepts with real-world examples.

Writing the Discussion & Analysis section was particularly enriching. It demanded a deep dive into how the selected brands utilize graphic design to create a cohesive brand identity and influence consumer behavior. Comparing the effectiveness of different strategies across brands provided valuable insights into best practices and potential areas for improvement.

Throughout the course, feedback from my lecturer and peers was instrumental in refining my work. Constructive criticism helped me identify weaknesses in my arguments and presentation, prompting me to rethink and revise various sections of my dissertation. This iterative process of receiving feedback and making improvements significantly enhanced the quality of my final submission.

Moreover, the course highlighted the importance of visual aesthetics in research presentation. The emphasis on designing a visually appealing and well-organized dissertation taught me that the delivery of research findings is as important as the findings themselves. This lesson will undoubtedly influence my future work, where I plan to combine rigorous research with compelling visual design.

In conclusion, the "Design Research Dissertation" course was a transformative experience. It honed my research skills, deepened my understanding of graphic design in the fast food industry, and underscored the importance of presentation in research. The insights and skills gained will be invaluable in my future endeavors as I continue to explore the intersection of design and consumer behavior.