DESIGN RESEARCH DISSERTATION

Task 1: Research Implementation-Draft Dissertation / 27.09.2024 - 15.11.2024 / Week 1 - Week 8
Task 2: Visual Design Publication / 08.11.2024 - 15.12.2024 / Week 7 - Week 12
Task 3: Final Dissertation & Turnitin / 08.11.2024 - 15.12.2024 / Week 7 - Week 12
Final Assessment: Final Journal Article Publication / 15.12.2024 - 05.01.2024 / Week 12 - Week 15

Emily Goh Jin Yee / 0357722 / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media 

Design Research Dissertation/ DIS60304 / Section 01

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. LECTURES

2. INSTRUCTIONS

3. TASKS

↪TASK 1

↪TASK 2

↪TASK 3

↪TASK 4

4. FEEDBACK 

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INSTRUCTIONS

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TASKS

TASK 1: RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION- DRAFT DISSERTATION

Google Drive here

For this project, we are tasked to write a draft of our dissertation using the information, findings, and what we've wrote in our Design Research Methodology projects last semester. 

The contents of the dissertation are as follows:

• Acknowledgements

• Abstract

• Table of Contents page

• Introduction to the dissertation

    ➛Research Rational, Research Theme/Topic and Research Problem
    ➛Problem statement

    ➛Research objectives

    ➛Research questions

    ➛Research Conceptual Framework Diagram

• Literature review

• Research Methodology

• Results/ Findings

• Analysis and discussion

• Conclusion

• Project Recommendation / Future Research

• Reference list

• Picture credit list

• Appendices (sample interview questions and questionnaire questions)

While having only three articles from the previous methodology task wasn't enough for the dissertation, I began by finding additional related articles to support my research. Then, I wrote down the information of each articles before selecting the suitable ones for my draft dissertation.

Fig T1.1 Literature Matrix

Fig T1.2 Submission for Task 1: Final Draft Dissertation, Week 8 (15/11/2024)

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TASK 2: DISSERTATION WITH VISUAL DESIGN

This task needs to be submitted alongside Task 3 (Turnitin report). I conducted some research on publication design on Pinterest to gather ideas for Task 2. Since my topic is related to food, restaurants, and digital food menus, I selected food-related elements to incorporate into my design while opting for a more simple and clear layout, design.

Fig T2.1 References

I created the design using Adobe InDesign and referred to videos from previous semesters on setting up the page layout, margins, text size, and kerning.

Fig T2.2 InDesign process

Additionally, I applied effects to the food image elements and adjusted their opacity to help them blend seamlessly with the background, making them look more integrated rather than pasted onto the page. I also added book textures to the background to enhance the overall 'book' feel.

Fig T2.3 InDesign process(effects)

Fig T2.4 Submission for Task 2: Visual Design Publication in PDF, Week 12 (15/12/2024)

Fig T2.4 Submission for Task 2: Visual Design Publication flipbook, Week 12 (15/12/2024)

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TASK 3: FINAL DISSERTATION WITH TURN IT IN SUBMISSION

FINAL DISSERTATION

Fig T3.1 Final Dissertation, Week 12 (15/12/2024)

TURNITIN REPORT

I realized that I submitted an older version of the draft dissertation rather than the well-organized final version. Mr. Azrizal said I dont have to resubmit. Hopefully, despite the less-than-ideal alignment of text and the Table of Contents, all the information submitted was correct. The report received a 6% similarity score.

Fig T3.2 Turnitin Report, Week 12 (15/12/2024)

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FINAL ASSESSMENT: RESEARCH FOR ARTICLE PUBLICATION

Finally, as part of the process, we need to transform our dissertation into a journal article. This involves condensing the content to focus on the most important points and key information, while removing unnecessary details. The dissertation structure must be adapted to fit the concise format of a journal article, ensuring clarity and precision. This also includes refining the writing to meet publication standards and making sure the article presents the core findings and insights effectively.

Fig T4.1 Final Journal Article Publication, Week 15 (05/01/2025)

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FEEDBACK

Fig F1.1 Feedback Form

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REFLECTION

Experience

Throughout my dissertation journey, I began by exploring the requirements for my final task, focusing on gathering resources and understanding the necessary steps. Initially, I was unsure about how to start, but I took the time to look at my senior's work for guidance and revisited the articles I had already found. This helped me clarify the direction of my research. The process of compiling and organizing the key points from my dissertation into an article journal format was both challenging and rewarding. It required me to critically analyze my work, identifying the most important information and presenting it clearly and concisely. I found myself engaged in the writing process more than I anticipated. Although I initially felt overwhelmed by the complexity of the task, especially when submitting the wrong documents and adjusting the layout, the experience pushed me to improve my attention to detail. I’m still working to improve my time management to ensure I stay on track for the upcoming submissions.

Observation

From this experience, I realized the importance of meticulous organization and clarity when compiling a dissertation. Initially, I underestimated how much effort would be required to refine my work and present it effectively. The process of converting the dissertation into a journal article was a key observation, as it highlighted the need for precision and the ability to distill complex ideas into digestible, impactful content. I also recognized that I needed to develop a more organized approach to submitting documents, ensuring that I submitted the correct version and avoided past mistakes.

Additionally, I noticed how critical it is to manage the technical elements of the project, such as formatting, layout, and citations. This process reinforced my understanding of the importance of consistency and attention to detail. Balancing the content with the required technical requirements, such as layout alignment and submission guidelines, was a significant observation.

Findings

Working through these stages highlighted several key lessons. First, I found that organization and planning are essential for maintaining a clear focus and ensuring that all aspects of the dissertation are well-prepared. The importance of reviewing the materials multiple times to catch mistakes became evident as I worked through the challenges with document submissions. I also discovered the value of clear and concise writing, as well as the significance of a well-organized final product.

The process of editing and refining my work helped me understand that simplicity and clarity are vital in academic writing. I realized that even small adjustments, such as correcting text alignment and adjusting spacing, can significantly improve the presentation and readability of the dissertation. Finally, the feedback and guidance I received were invaluable in helping me refine the structure of my work, allowing me to focus on the most critical aspects and eliminate unnecessary details.