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Aims:

This module will equip students with the basics of quantitative and qualitative research methods and basic computing and making skills. For the research methods, students will learn about the concepts, ideas, fundamentals of planning and conducting research, starting with how to make a research question. Students will then explore methods for data collection and data analysis tools for quantitative and qualitative data. For the computing and making skills, students will learn about both physical and software prototyping which will help conduct research: spanning from basic low-fidelity prototyping (e.g., storyboard), 3d printing to programming. Students will explore physical computing (e.g., Arduino programming) for controlling electronic components including sensor and actuators (e.g. haptic feedback for visually impaired community). Python programming will be learned mainly for data visualisation.

The module will be a split of formal seminars, tutorials as well as individual research and prototyping. GDI lab and prototyping facilities at ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº East will be available for students to practise making and computing skills.

Intended learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module,Ìýa studentÌýwill be able to:Ìý

Research SkillsÌýÌý

1. Choose an appropriate study design and data analysis methods.Ìý
2. Choose an appropriate statistical test and conduct it on quantitative data.
3. Design a qualitative data collection study and use thematic analysis to code the interviews and develop themes.
4. Visualise quantitative data sets for exploratory and explanatory purposes.

Making & Computing SkillsÌý

1. Create prototypes using a range of methods and materials.
2. Know where to find more information on material properties to inform design choices.
3. Use making and computing as a design tool.
4. Understand variables, looping and structure of programming (mainly Python).
5. Create physical computing prototypes with Arduino (or similar) platforms.

Transferable SkillsÌý

1. Deliver concise, informative presentations.
2. Develop clear project plans.
3. Develop self-reflection.
4. Communicate in a cross-disciplinary team.
5. Communicate and advocate with disabled people.

Indicative content:

The following are indicative of the topics the module will typically cover:

Making & Computing 101

• Basic prototyping.
• Digital fabrication (mainly 3D printing).
• Microcontroller programming (Arduino).
• Basics of Python programming.

Data Collection

• Experimental Design.
• Data Collection in the wild.
• Interviews & Questionnaires.
• Thematic analysis framework.
• Sensing (Physiological, behavioural).

Statistics & Data Visualisation:

• Types of data.
• Parametric methods.
• Non-parametric methods.
• Knowing what type of test to use and when.
• Creating meaningful visualisations.

Requisites:

To be eligible to select this module as an optional or elective, a student must be registered on a programme and year of study for which it is a formally available.