Design Research Dissertation - Final Compilation and Reflection

25/4/2025 - 25/7/2025 / Week 1 - Week 14

Tay Yue Chern / 0373215

Design Research Dissertation / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Final Compilation & Reflection


TABLE OF CONTENT









INSTRUCTIONS




TASK 1 - DRAFT DISSERTATION

Fig 1.1 Task 1 Draft Dissertation


TASK 2 - VISUAL DESIGN PUBLICATION

Fig 2.1 Task 2 Visual Design Publication (PDF)

Fig 2.2 FlipHTML5 E-book of "Examining Minimalist Character Designs in Audience Recognition and Emotional Response"



TASK 3 - FINAL DISSERTATION & TURNITIN SUBMISSION REPORT


Fig 3.1 Task 3 Final Dissertation (PDF)


Fig 3.2 Task 3 Turnitin Report (PDF)


TASK 4 - RESEARCH FOR ARTICLE PUBLICATION



WEEKLY FEEDBACK

Week 01

Feedback
  • Share a Google Drive with the documents
Action by Student
  • Create a google drive folder and share with Dr Wong

Week 02

Feedback
  • The title is fine
  • Need to make sure to write in third party tone
  • Remove the Research topic part
  • Explain more about where this work is situated
  • Be careful with the citation
  • The Research Questions and Objectives are fine
Action by Student
  • Refine the parts
  • Start writing Literature Review

Week 03

Feedback
  • The Abstract is good
  • Can remove picture credit list as you will have citation along with the pictures instead
  • Make sure references are in correct style
Action by Student
  • Add citation (credit) to the pictures
  • Continue writing the following parts

Week 04

Feedback
  • Abstract need to start with background study
  • Fix some grammar issues
  • Can add a table to summarise the literature reviews
  • Change the term 'selected samples' to 'selected artworks' or 'selected character designs'
Action by Student
    • Refine Abstract and other parts according to the feedback given

    Week 05

    Feedback
    • Add more explanation in Literature Review part to mention the gap in current studies
    • Enhance the flow from a part to another part
    • Justify the process
    • Report the survey design measures
    Action by Student
      • Refine Literature Review
      • Check and add more justification when needed
      • Refine Research Methodology part

      Week 06

      Feedback
      • Make sure the category in Research Conceptual Framework is correct
      • Justify the participants requirement
      • Refine the way to display survey questions
      • Need to explain and report the results from the charts
      Action by Student
        • Refine Research Conceptual Framework
        • Refine the Research Methodology part

        Week 07

        Feedback
        • Research Conceptual Framework is fine
        • For the Silhouette Recognition part, show the characters together with their silhouettes
        • Use the same picture for a character to ensure it is consistent
        • Report the numeric values in result in this way: [percentage], [total number]
        • Report limitation of study
        Action by Student
          • Refine the Research Methodology and Result part according to the feedback

          Week 08

          *No Consultation (Independent Learning Week)


          Week 09

          Feedback
          • The idea is applicable and sounds interesting
          Action by Student
            • Start to design the publication based on the moodboard

            Week 10

            *No Consultation (Public Holiday)

            Week 11

            Feedback
            • The cover design need to have higher contrast to be more impactful
            • The font type is not suitable
            • The designs need to be more interesting and able to reflect the topic
            • Need to be consistent in the overall design
            • Overall writing is fine
            Action by Student
              • Rethink and reconstruct the visual designs

              Week 12

              Feedback
              • The visual design is better
              • Clearer and easier to read
              Action by Student
                • Continue to finish up the whole design

                Week 13

                Feedback
                • Choose one or two Research Questions to focus on
                • Modify the title, abstract, and the other parts if necessary according to the Research Question(s) chosen
                • Chart can improve further to make it clearer
                • Move the limitation of study from Conclusion part to Discussion part
                • Give a scope for your work
                Action by Student
                  • Refine the work according to the feedback


                  Week 14

                  Feedback
                  • Move the selected characters from Appendix to the Methodology part because these are parts of the content
                  • Add a picture credit list under the Reference
                  Action by Student
                    • Adjust according to the feedback and finalise the article


                    FINAL REFLECTION

                    Throughout this module, I’ve learned to approach writing not just as a way to present findings, but as a tool to organise and clarify my own thinking. To be honest, academic writing was something I always found a bit intimidating, especially when it came to expressing visual or design-related ideas in a structured and research-based format. But over the weeks, I started to understand that writing isn’t just about “sounding academic”; it’s about shaping your thoughts clearly and purposefully.

                    One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning how to develop a logical argument. At the beginning, I struggled to organise my ideas. I knew what I wanted to say about minimalist character design, but translating that into clear, concise paragraphs—especially with the right tone—was a challenge. Through drafting, feedback, and refining, I slowly became more comfortable with explaining not only what design elements were used, but why they mattered in the context of recognisability and personality expression.

                    Another shift for me was learning how to use sources effectively. Instead of quoting just to “back things up,” I started to see how citations could support my thinking and help me build a stronger voice as a writer. That also helped me stay grounded in the topic, and made me more aware of the existing research around character design, which I found surprisingly rich and inspiring.

                    This module didn’t just help me improve my writing—it also gave me a clearer sense of how research can support creative practice.

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