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Yonsei 2026-Fall | Bokyung Lee Upcoming

CDM2008: Design Research

Design research turns questions about people, contexts, and experiences into evidence that can guide responsible design decisions. This course introduces a systematic process for framing research, selecting qualitative methods, conducting fieldwork, synthesizing findings, and communicating actionable insights.

Class time
Friday(s), time to be announced
Location
VeritasB 206 (DFK Idea shop)
Instructor
Prof. Bokyung Lee
Language
English
Course roadmap

A learning journey from seeing to integrating

The semester follows five connected stages: framing a focused question, planning and creating research stimuli, designing and executing a user study, analysing and interpreting evidence, and integrating the final research narrative.

Design Research ProcessStages 1–5
2
Planning and Creating Research StimuliWeeks 5–8

Project 1: Design Research Study

Develop fair comparison conditions, research stimuli, and an integrated proposal.

Project 1

Project 1: Design Research Study

Format to be announced · 80%

Develop a focused research question, plan and conduct ethical qualitative research, synthesize the resulting evidence, and communicate grounded insights and design implications.

Learning Goal:

  • Define an appropriate research scope and question.
  • Select methods that fit the question and context.
  • Document evidence and analytical decisions transparently.
  • Develop insights and implications supported by evidence.

Format

  1. Frame

    Define the research context, question, participants, and plan.

  2. Fieldwork

    Collect qualitative evidence using approved research methods.

  3. Synthesize

    Organize evidence, identify patterns, and develop insights.

  4. Communicate

    Present the process, findings, limitations, and design implications.

Project unit

The individual or team format will be announced before the project begins. All research must follow the course's ethical and consent requirements.

Grade breakdown

DeliverableFocusWeight
Deliverable #1Research framing & RQ proposal10%
Deliverable #2Mid-term presentation15%
Deliverable #3Final presentation20%
Deliverable #4Final research paper35%
Total80%

Key evaluation criteria

  • Research coherence: The question, method, evidence, and conclusions form a clear and defensible chain.
  • Evidence quality: Claims are grounded in appropriately collected and documented material.
  • Ethical practice: The project demonstrates respect for participants, consent, privacy, and limitations.
  • Clarity of communication: The research process and implications are communicated clearly and transparently.