Design Research Methodology - Final Compilation & Reflection
03 April 2023 - 09 July 2023 (Week 1 - Week 14)
briefing and workshop on specialisation to be chosen.
Week 2
General Feedback
In order to effectively focus our efforts, it is important that we concentrate on our field of study and ensure that our chosen topic falls within the scope of our specialization.
Specific Feedback
One recommendation is to narrow the scope of our research and be more specific in our topic selection. It would be advisable to choose a topic that can be completed within the 11-week duration of our study. Additionally, it is not mandatory to conduct interviews with doctors to obtain firsthand information, providing us with more flexibility in our research approach.
Week 3
General Feedback
It is crucial that we consistently consult the MIB (Module Information Booklet) and rubric to gain a clear understanding of what should be included in our proposal, such as research questions, objectives, and problems. Additionally, we have been advised to refer to the Week 3 lecture notes for guidance on utilizing inductive and deductive approaches to analyze our research problems, objectives, and questions.
Specific Feedback
One suggestion is to further define the term "rehabilitation" to ensure clarity and precision in our proposal. It is important to note that therapeutic approaches are one of the possible remedies to be considered. We should strive to become more informed about the advancements and developments in the field of virtual reality (VR) environments as it pertains to our chosen topic. Additionally, it is recommended to provide citations to support our claims and arguments.
Furthermore, it is necessary to formulate a problem statement and explicitly state the existence of a research gap in our proposal. In order to establish a comprehensive understanding of our chosen topic, it is essential to gather relevant and proper articles to gain insight into the current landscape.
Week 4
General Feedback
To enhance our ability to formulate solid problem statements and identify research gaps, it is recommended that we thoroughly study the supplementary materials provided.
Specific Feedback
One suggestion is to redefine the statements for my research problem, objectives, and questions. This will help ensure clarity and precision in conveying our research goals. Additionally, it is important to correct the format of in-text citations, which should follow the pattern of (last name of author, publication year, page number).
Furthermore, it is advised to reconsider the scope of study in my second research objective. As it currently stands, the scope is quite broad, which may not be feasible to accomplish within the limited timeframe of 11 weeks. It is advisable to narrow down the focus and choose a more manageable topic for our study. Lastly, don't forget to update the references list to accurately reflect the sources used in the proposal.
03 April 2023 - 09 July 2023 (Week 1 - Week 14)
Vincent Lee // 0359386
Design Research Methodology // Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media //
Taylor's University
LINKS
- Assignment 1: Research Proposal
- Assignment 2: Critical Review
- Assignment 3: Primary Data
- Assignment 4: Research Reflection Report & Recorded Presentation
Instructions
MIB
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Assignment 1: Research Proposal
Figure 1.1 - (resubmission) Final Research Proposal_PDF, Week 6 (11 May 2023)
Figure 1.2 - (resubmission) Final Research Proposal_SLIDES, Week 6 (11 May
2023)
Assignment 2: Critical Review
Figure 1.3 - Final Critical Review_PDF, Week 8 (23 May 2023)
Assignment 3: Primary Data
Figure 1.4 - (resubmission) Final Primary Data_PDF, Week 15 (13 July 2023)
Figure 1.5 - (resubmission) Final Primary Data_SLIDES, Week 15 (13 July 2023)
Assignment 4: Research Reflection Report &
Presentation
Figure 1.6 - Final Research Reflection Report_PDF, Week 15 (14 July 2023)
Figure 1.7 - Final Research Reflection
Presentation Slides, Week 15 (14 July 2023)
Recorded Presentation Video:
Video 1.1 - Recorded Presentation Video, Week 15 (14 July 2023)
Feedback
Week 1briefing and workshop on specialisation to be chosen.
Week 2
General Feedback
In order to effectively focus our efforts, it is important that we concentrate on our field of study and ensure that our chosen topic falls within the scope of our specialization.
Specific Feedback
One recommendation is to narrow the scope of our research and be more specific in our topic selection. It would be advisable to choose a topic that can be completed within the 11-week duration of our study. Additionally, it is not mandatory to conduct interviews with doctors to obtain firsthand information, providing us with more flexibility in our research approach.
Week 3
General Feedback
It is crucial that we consistently consult the MIB (Module Information Booklet) and rubric to gain a clear understanding of what should be included in our proposal, such as research questions, objectives, and problems. Additionally, we have been advised to refer to the Week 3 lecture notes for guidance on utilizing inductive and deductive approaches to analyze our research problems, objectives, and questions.
Specific Feedback
One suggestion is to further define the term "rehabilitation" to ensure clarity and precision in our proposal. It is important to note that therapeutic approaches are one of the possible remedies to be considered. We should strive to become more informed about the advancements and developments in the field of virtual reality (VR) environments as it pertains to our chosen topic. Additionally, it is recommended to provide citations to support our claims and arguments.
Furthermore, it is necessary to formulate a problem statement and explicitly state the existence of a research gap in our proposal. In order to establish a comprehensive understanding of our chosen topic, it is essential to gather relevant and proper articles to gain insight into the current landscape.
Week 4
General Feedback
To enhance our ability to formulate solid problem statements and identify research gaps, it is recommended that we thoroughly study the supplementary materials provided.
Specific Feedback
One suggestion is to redefine the statements for my research problem, objectives, and questions. This will help ensure clarity and precision in conveying our research goals. Additionally, it is important to correct the format of in-text citations, which should follow the pattern of (last name of author, publication year, page number).
Furthermore, it is advised to reconsider the scope of study in my second research objective. As it currently stands, the scope is quite broad, which may not be feasible to accomplish within the limited timeframe of 11 weeks. It is advisable to narrow down the focus and choose a more manageable topic for our study. Lastly, don't forget to update the references list to accurately reflect the sources used in the proposal.
Week 5
no classes conduct in this week (Public Holiday - Hari Raya)
Week 6
General Feedback
It is important to understand the distinction between the "Items" and "Progression" columns. The "Items" column indicates the tasks that need to be completed for each specific week, while the "Progression" column is meant for documenting our progress and updates on our work.
In terms of reading articles, we should focus on understanding the critiques provided rather than reading the entire paper. It is also essential to compare and contrast each article to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.
For Assignment 2, our task is to consolidate the five selected articles into a single cohesive document. It is recommended to download the articles as PDFs for future reading and reference. Additionally, it is advised to create summaries of the articles and keep a digital copy in Mendeley. Finally, remember to upload the individual summaries to Google Drive.
Specific Feedback
When distinguishing between the title and topic, avoid any confusion. In the research proposal, the verb "examine" was deemed inappropriate as it may not be feasible to thoroughly investigate within the given time frame. Consider utilizing Bloom's Taxonomy, specifically focusing on the "remembering" and "understanding" levels, to replace it with a more suitable verb.
When conducting a critical review of an article, engage in a conversation with oneself to assess the ability to critically evaluate the article and draw conclusions. Look for evidence that highlights any gaps in the research and supports the argument being made.
Week 7
General Feedback
When selecting articles, it is important to consider not only factors such as publication year and title but also whether they provide us with secondary data that can be evaluated directly. Documenting our weekly progression and reflecting on our work can greatly assist us in writing our final research reflection, summarizing the past 10 weeks. It is advised to utilize Mendeley for individual article reviews. During the process of consolidating the articles, it is recommended to compare and contrast them, evaluating their expected methodology, logical flow, structure, similarities, and weaknesses. Remember that reading critically entails not only understanding the content but also analyzing it.
Specific Feedback
While the structure of the articles may not be similar in terms of sub-headers, the interpretation derived from the evaluation has resulted in them still falling within the evaluated category. In my introduction, I should aim to convey the information to the reader or evaluator and demonstrate where I carried out my judgment based on dissimilarities in statements while considering that the content itself remains the same.
Week 8no classes conduct in this week (Public Holiday - Hari Raya)
Week 6
General Feedback
It is important to understand the distinction between the "Items" and "Progression" columns. The "Items" column indicates the tasks that need to be completed for each specific week, while the "Progression" column is meant for documenting our progress and updates on our work.
In terms of reading articles, we should focus on understanding the critiques provided rather than reading the entire paper. It is also essential to compare and contrast each article to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.
For Assignment 2, our task is to consolidate the five selected articles into a single cohesive document. It is recommended to download the articles as PDFs for future reading and reference. Additionally, it is advised to create summaries of the articles and keep a digital copy in Mendeley. Finally, remember to upload the individual summaries to Google Drive.
Specific Feedback
When distinguishing between the title and topic, avoid any confusion. In the research proposal, the verb "examine" was deemed inappropriate as it may not be feasible to thoroughly investigate within the given time frame. Consider utilizing Bloom's Taxonomy, specifically focusing on the "remembering" and "understanding" levels, to replace it with a more suitable verb.
When conducting a critical review of an article, engage in a conversation with oneself to assess the ability to critically evaluate the article and draw conclusions. Look for evidence that highlights any gaps in the research and supports the argument being made.
Week 7
General Feedback
When selecting articles, it is important to consider not only factors such as publication year and title but also whether they provide us with secondary data that can be evaluated directly. Documenting our weekly progression and reflecting on our work can greatly assist us in writing our final research reflection, summarizing the past 10 weeks. It is advised to utilize Mendeley for individual article reviews. During the process of consolidating the articles, it is recommended to compare and contrast them, evaluating their expected methodology, logical flow, structure, similarities, and weaknesses. Remember that reading critically entails not only understanding the content but also analyzing it.
Specific Feedback
While the structure of the articles may not be similar in terms of sub-headers, the interpretation derived from the evaluation has resulted in them still falling within the evaluated category. In my introduction, I should aim to convey the information to the reader or evaluator and demonstrate where I carried out my judgment based on dissimilarities in statements while considering that the content itself remains the same.
Independent Learning Week: no classes conduct in this week
Week 9
General Feedback
It is important to select the research method(s) that we would like to employ in our study and justify our selection. It is advisable to choose one or two feasible methods that can be implemented within the remaining weeks of the study. When designing our research instrument, we should align it with the specific inquiries outlined in our proposal. Consider using simple terms in our questionnaire to accommodate a target audience that may not be familiar with professional terminology in our research field. It is highly recommended to consult directly with lecturers for guidance and advice.
Specific Feedback
To begin, explain that the most effective approach for collecting primary data is to interact with patients, therapy centers, and doctors. Mention that your first choice for data collection is qualitative, but acknowledge the limitations due to technical knowledge.
Highlight the need to combine both qualitative and quantitative data in a single instrument. Discuss the advantages of using open-ended questions, as they allow for evolving certainties and deeper insights. Reference past researchers' methods of questioning to ensure relevance to your specific context.
Specify that your research focuses on orthopedic injuries related to brain tumors, physical injuries, spinal cord injuries, and neck injuries. Emphasise that accidents are the most common cause of arm and leg injuries.
Discuss the significance of narrowing the scope of data collection to a specific type of injury. Describe your plan to use a Google Form with qualifying questions to collect qualitative data. Explain that the form will be designed with different sections to lead individuals with injuries and those without injuries to separate sections.
Outline the structure of the form, starting with a demographic section and then branching into relevant sections based on participants' injury history. Mention the need for a consent letter from your office to conduct interviews. Specify that you plan to interview five individuals.
Consider reaching out to Taylor's lecture for additional insights or guidance. Refer to sample set questions that you can apply and adapt for your research. Highlight the importance of customizing the target group to ensure the questionnaire's effectiveness. Emphasize that the questionnaire serves as a buffer to assess various aspects of the research.
Week 10
General Feedback
Avoid rushing into all data collection methods, as it may hinder our ability to effectively absorb the information. It is important to be practical and consider the time limit. Selecting one or two methods for data collection is recommended, and it is always wise to have a backup plan in case any challenges arise. Keep our questions simple and avoid excessive technical jargon.
Specific Feedback
Ensure that my questions are within a reachable scale, meaning they are feasible and understandable for participants. Apply a consent letter from school authorities to conduct interviews, emphasizing the significance of this research.
In Section 4, replace "my understanding" with "the understanding" to maintain objectivity.
Further research is required on the tools used for orthopedics, as there may be differences between those used for gaming and medical purposes.
Consider setting questions that require participants to provide detailed answers, as responses may vary based on their attitudes.
The IPQ questions pertain to the increased presence and whether patients feel immersed in the virtual world. The SSQ questions are more relevant to dizziness, motion sickness, and individuals who have experienced memory loss.
Advise against limiting questions to solely technical or yes/no formats. Instead, include a variety of question types to gather more comprehensive information.
Revisit the interview questions to ensure their applicability to patients, therapists, and medical experts. Adapt them accordingly to suit the needs and perspectives of each group.
Week 11
General Feedback
For the presentation, keep it concise and limited to 5 minutes. Include only essential content related to our research, presented in point form. The main topics to cover are Research Objectives, Research Problem (highlighting the focus of our research), Research Questions, Key Literature, Research Methods, Data Collection, and Analysis.
Regarding the Critical Review, select the top 3 articles that are most significant to our research. If any issues arise, feel free to speak up and consult with others for guidance and support.
Specific Feedback
Consider interacting with doctors or professionals by joining any family or friends who are undergoing the rehabilitation process. Personal contacts often yield better results. Since qualitative data is the focus, it doesn't require a large number of participants. Instead, seek direct input from individuals regarding their experiences and treatments.
Try to join trauma-related communities or clubs, specifically those related to orthopedic issues, and request interviews. These communities can be local, international, or a mix of both. Additionally, approach medical doctors who work with virtual reality (VR) in other fields and inquire about their general views on the effectiveness of VR in helping them identify or assist their patients.
Remember to document the process of identifying potential participants as part of our research study. This documentation will provide valuable insights into our research methodology.
Week 12
General Feedback
In summarizing the collected data, include both the reached and unreached responses, regardless of reaching the goal of 80 responses. Review and make any necessary amendments to Assignment 4. It is highly encouraged to actively participate in tutorials. Customize the presentation slides and ensure that the audio, slides, and presenter are clearly visible in the recorded video. Make sure all links are accessible for future reference. Understanding our research topic is crucial as it will aid in articulating our writing and documentation, especially for the dissertation in our advanced research module. Strengthening our research during the upcoming semester break is highly encouraged.
Specific Feedback
Consider adding numbering to the questions in the data collection instrument for easier reference and analysis.
Seek one or two experts who can speak about VR rehabilitation to enhance the credibility and depth of the research.
Visit the video library to explore visual analysis techniques for conducting an observational study on orthopaedic rehabilitation.
Consider visiting a therapy centre to observe and record observations, ensuring that consent is obtained from all involved parties.
Justify and reference previous researchers' publications to strengthen the credibility and reliability of our data collection methods.
Remember that creativity requires curiosity. Explore new ideas and approaches to enhance the research and presentation.
Ensure that the presentation slides are not replicating a template. Customize the layout, typography, text hierarchy, leading, kerning, and other design principles to create a visually appealing and professional presentation.
Week 13
General Feedback
No classes were conducted this week due to Hari Raya Haji.
Specific Feedback
Consider reaching out to Mr. Ng Kian Chai, who works in the VR-related field, as an alternative interviewee instead of waiting for a response from doctors. His insights and expertise can provide valuable perspectives for your research.
Design the interview questions from the perspective of an expert content creator to gather specific insights and knowledge in that area. Tailoring the questions to this perspective will help you gain deeper understanding and relevant information for your research.
Experience
Observation
Week 9
General Feedback
It is important to select the research method(s) that we would like to employ in our study and justify our selection. It is advisable to choose one or two feasible methods that can be implemented within the remaining weeks of the study. When designing our research instrument, we should align it with the specific inquiries outlined in our proposal. Consider using simple terms in our questionnaire to accommodate a target audience that may not be familiar with professional terminology in our research field. It is highly recommended to consult directly with lecturers for guidance and advice.
Specific Feedback
To begin, explain that the most effective approach for collecting primary data is to interact with patients, therapy centers, and doctors. Mention that your first choice for data collection is qualitative, but acknowledge the limitations due to technical knowledge.
Highlight the need to combine both qualitative and quantitative data in a single instrument. Discuss the advantages of using open-ended questions, as they allow for evolving certainties and deeper insights. Reference past researchers' methods of questioning to ensure relevance to your specific context.
Specify that your research focuses on orthopedic injuries related to brain tumors, physical injuries, spinal cord injuries, and neck injuries. Emphasise that accidents are the most common cause of arm and leg injuries.
Discuss the significance of narrowing the scope of data collection to a specific type of injury. Describe your plan to use a Google Form with qualifying questions to collect qualitative data. Explain that the form will be designed with different sections to lead individuals with injuries and those without injuries to separate sections.
Outline the structure of the form, starting with a demographic section and then branching into relevant sections based on participants' injury history. Mention the need for a consent letter from your office to conduct interviews. Specify that you plan to interview five individuals.
Consider reaching out to Taylor's lecture for additional insights or guidance. Refer to sample set questions that you can apply and adapt for your research. Highlight the importance of customizing the target group to ensure the questionnaire's effectiveness. Emphasize that the questionnaire serves as a buffer to assess various aspects of the research.
Week 10
General Feedback
Avoid rushing into all data collection methods, as it may hinder our ability to effectively absorb the information. It is important to be practical and consider the time limit. Selecting one or two methods for data collection is recommended, and it is always wise to have a backup plan in case any challenges arise. Keep our questions simple and avoid excessive technical jargon.
Specific Feedback
Ensure that my questions are within a reachable scale, meaning they are feasible and understandable for participants. Apply a consent letter from school authorities to conduct interviews, emphasizing the significance of this research.
In Section 4, replace "my understanding" with "the understanding" to maintain objectivity.
Further research is required on the tools used for orthopedics, as there may be differences between those used for gaming and medical purposes.
Consider setting questions that require participants to provide detailed answers, as responses may vary based on their attitudes.
The IPQ questions pertain to the increased presence and whether patients feel immersed in the virtual world. The SSQ questions are more relevant to dizziness, motion sickness, and individuals who have experienced memory loss.
Advise against limiting questions to solely technical or yes/no formats. Instead, include a variety of question types to gather more comprehensive information.
Revisit the interview questions to ensure their applicability to patients, therapists, and medical experts. Adapt them accordingly to suit the needs and perspectives of each group.
Week 11
General Feedback
For the presentation, keep it concise and limited to 5 minutes. Include only essential content related to our research, presented in point form. The main topics to cover are Research Objectives, Research Problem (highlighting the focus of our research), Research Questions, Key Literature, Research Methods, Data Collection, and Analysis.
Regarding the Critical Review, select the top 3 articles that are most significant to our research. If any issues arise, feel free to speak up and consult with others for guidance and support.
Specific Feedback
Consider interacting with doctors or professionals by joining any family or friends who are undergoing the rehabilitation process. Personal contacts often yield better results. Since qualitative data is the focus, it doesn't require a large number of participants. Instead, seek direct input from individuals regarding their experiences and treatments.
Try to join trauma-related communities or clubs, specifically those related to orthopedic issues, and request interviews. These communities can be local, international, or a mix of both. Additionally, approach medical doctors who work with virtual reality (VR) in other fields and inquire about their general views on the effectiveness of VR in helping them identify or assist their patients.
Remember to document the process of identifying potential participants as part of our research study. This documentation will provide valuable insights into our research methodology.
Week 12
General Feedback
In summarizing the collected data, include both the reached and unreached responses, regardless of reaching the goal of 80 responses. Review and make any necessary amendments to Assignment 4. It is highly encouraged to actively participate in tutorials. Customize the presentation slides and ensure that the audio, slides, and presenter are clearly visible in the recorded video. Make sure all links are accessible for future reference. Understanding our research topic is crucial as it will aid in articulating our writing and documentation, especially for the dissertation in our advanced research module. Strengthening our research during the upcoming semester break is highly encouraged.
Specific Feedback
Consider adding numbering to the questions in the data collection instrument for easier reference and analysis.
Seek one or two experts who can speak about VR rehabilitation to enhance the credibility and depth of the research.
Visit the video library to explore visual analysis techniques for conducting an observational study on orthopaedic rehabilitation.
Consider visiting a therapy centre to observe and record observations, ensuring that consent is obtained from all involved parties.
Justify and reference previous researchers' publications to strengthen the credibility and reliability of our data collection methods.
Remember that creativity requires curiosity. Explore new ideas and approaches to enhance the research and presentation.
Ensure that the presentation slides are not replicating a template. Customize the layout, typography, text hierarchy, leading, kerning, and other design principles to create a visually appealing and professional presentation.
Week 13
General Feedback
No classes were conducted this week due to Hari Raya Haji.
Specific Feedback
Consider reaching out to Mr. Ng Kian Chai, who works in the VR-related field, as an alternative interviewee instead of waiting for a response from doctors. His insights and expertise can provide valuable perspectives for your research.
Design the interview questions from the perspective of an expert content creator to gather specific insights and knowledge in that area. Tailoring the questions to this perspective will help you gain deeper understanding and relevant information for your research.
Reflection
Throughout the course of these assignments, I have undergone a
transformative journey in my research on immersive design in
rehabilitation. From Assignment 1, where I initially explored the
broader concept of immersive design in healthcare stimulation, to
Assignment 2, where I refined my research objectives and faced
challenges of self-doubt, and finally to Assignment 3, where I conducted
data collection and encountered obstacles, I have experienced personal
growth and gained valuable insights.
In Assignment 1, the special talk by Miss Dini sparked a shift in my
interests, leading me to choose immersive design in rehabilitation as my
research topic. This decision allowed me to focus on creating therapeutic
virtual environments to aid individuals in their recovery after heart
attacks and strokes. The process of refining my research problem and
objectives, with the guidance of Ms. Hayati, was a significant turning
point in clarifying my research direction.
Observation
Assignment 2 presented its own set of challenges, including
procrastination and self-doubt. However, I managed to submit my critical
review, albeit late, and recognized the importance of trusting my own
analysis despite the influence of others' opinions. Seeking guidance from
Ms. Hayati helped me navigate through this phase and reaffirmed the
significance of perseverance and seeking support in my academic
journey.
The data collection phase in Assignment 3 brought further obstacles and
contemplation. I faced doubts about conducting interviews with
professionals and experienced burnout. However, through extensive
research, improvements to my questionnaire, and efforts to reach out to
medical experts, I gradually overcame these hurdles. The slow response
rate to the questionnaire and the challenges in securing interview
opportunities tested my resilience and highlighted the need for
perseverance and justification of my chosen data collection
methods.
Findings
In the final weeks leading up to submission, I dedicated meticulous
attention to detail in organizing my final document and designing visually
appealing PowerPoint slides. This process emphasized the importance of
accuracy, reliability, and presentation in effectively conveying research
findings.
Overall, this series of assignments has been a challenging yet rewarding
experience. It has prepared me for future research endeavors, taught me the
significance of clarity in objectives, and demonstrated the importance of
seeking guidance and support when faced with obstacles. I am proud of the
personal growth I have achieved as a degree student, and I am excited to
continue developing my skills and knowledge in the field of immersive design
and rehabilitation.
