Content, progress and pedagogy of the
module
Objectives:
In this course, we consider the larger picture and the
situated nature of where and how people act and interact with media
technologies. We work with theories, methods and material developed
in successful design companies such as IDEO and Frog Design, which
continue to evolve. The students will work with multiple evaluation
methods that they apply in a hands-on approach that they consider
as part of their ongoing critical reflection to the design process.
The course will give students a better understanding of how chosen
approaches, conceptual frameworks and methods produce different
kinds of possible analyses for both the development, use and
improvement of media technologies.
The students will understand and apply selected
user-centered, contextual and situational theories which can
include ethnographic, psychological and sociological approaches and
methods when analysing the use of media technology. The
course will cover some of the large ranges of responses (e.g.,
interaction, reaction, deliberation, active and passive engagement)
users can make when consuming media technologies, and provide
students with methodological and analytic tools to analyse these
responses in a given context and to implement these tools in their
future design work.
Learning objectives
Knowledge
Students who complete the module will obtain the following
qualifications:
- Must have knowledge and
understanding of empirical and critical research,
including systematic quantitative and qualitative research data
gathering, analysis and interpretation methods
- Must understand and apply
interpretative paradigms to media development. This includes
evaluation of those approaches that promote
qualitative methodologies, such as ethnography, grounded theory,
case studies, discourse analysis, narrative research, diary
studies, cultural probes and video interaction analysis, as well as
application of quantitative methods including, for
example, logging of use, physiological capture, or statistical
analysis
- Must understand that the theories and
methodology adopted impact on the nature of evidence gathered in
media related research (evaluation)
- Must have knowledge of psychological,
statistical, ethnographic, or sociological approaches to the study
of contextual behaviour and their relevance and implications to
media development and design (understand)
- Must have knowledge and
understanding how a variery of ethnographic
methods including contextual data capture are useful for guidelines
for testing and evaluation and iterative design
(application) which can be implemented for
user-oriented problems
Skills
Students who complete the module will obtain the following
qualifications:
- Must have ability to apply a range of
qualitative methods (e.g., interviewing, contextual
inquiry, etc.) to elicit user needs, preferences and capabilities
and be able to analyse and explain the
findings (understanding)
- Must have ability to apply a range of
quantitative methods, which may include logging
and analysis, statistical tests, correlation and cluster analysis
to assess perception and user behavior
(understanding).
- Apply observational methods to situations as
they happen in real time and evaluate data in
relation to end-user groups
- Apply, analyse and evaluate
social, situated and digital micro and macro acts in
interactions
- Design (apply) guidelines and
apply adequate theories and study designs, using
advanced qualitative and quantitative methods for collection and
analysis of data (analysis)
- Design (apply) guidelines and
apply different observational methods, including
video observations and exploration of user states (e.g., immersed,
engaged, emotional, pleasant).
- Design (apply) solutions to design and
situated context related problems
(synthesis)
Competences
Students who complete the module will obtain the following
qualifications:
- Plan, organize and implement a full cycle of design, evaluation
and re-design for a real world problem
(evaluation)
- Synthesise and apply
knowledge and understanding gained in the course regarding the
consequence of choosing a specific approach, method, conceptual
framework and theory in relation to media technology and a specific
research question or problem
- Understand advantages, disadvantages,
possibilities and limitations regarding the use of specific
methods, for example, video card game, video Interaction analysis,
discourse analysis, interviewing, questionnaires, storyboards,
scenarios, and know statistical methods (e.g.,
tests, clustering, correlation analysis) or various psychological
experimental paradigms (e.g., free categorization)
(analysis)
- Synthesise, understand and
apply in situ observational strategies, for
example, shadowing, participation, video-observation for user
evaluation and analysis in a context of media technologies
(application)
Type of instruction
Refer to the overview of instruction types listed in § 17. The
types of instruction for this course are decided in accordance with
the current Joint Programme Regulations and directions are decided
and given by the Study Board for Media Technology.
Exam
Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam
- Handing in of written assignments or the like
- Completion of certain – or all – study activities
Exams
Name of exam | Ethnographically Informed Design |
Type of exam | Written or oral exam
Note that if admittance to the exam or parts of the assessment is
to be based on written work or exercises, a deadline is stipulated
for when the work must be handed in. |
ECTS | 5 |
Permitted aids | With certain aids:
See semester description |
Assessment | 7-point grading scale |
Type of grading | Internal examination |
Criteria of assessment | The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination
Policies and Procedures |