PROD601-26S1 (C) Semester One 2026

Design Critique and Research Methods

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 16 February 2026
End Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 1 March 2026
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 10 May 2026

Description

Two main components of Research Methods and Design Critique are covered in this course. Research Methods will provide knowledge on the academic research endeavour, necessary for any postgraduate student; how to write a research proposal, define design problems and research methodologies - including Kaupapa Maori perspectives on research methodology and processes. Design Critique will contribute to the development of critical enquiry and thinking into design. This part will provide a holistic approach in evaluation of designed products and services; from the aesthetic to the environmental point of view.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand a range of contemporary methodologies, including kaupapa Māori to solve research questions/problems.
2. Ability to competently write a research proposal and ethics application with consideration for the impact on Māori and other indigenous groups.
3. Ability to use and discuss mainstream and alternative academic research such as kaupapa Māori practices and contribute to scholarship.
4. Understand critical theories and contemporary philosophies in design, visual and sensory product communication.
5. Autonomously use available theories and evidence to formulate logical reasoning and argument
6. Critically evaluate designs and services, relate them to existing theoretical perspectives, knowledge structures and methodologies
7. Ability to apply their arguments and reasoning into their design practices towards enhancing new product and service designs.

Prerequisites

Approval of the Head of the School of Product Design

Timetable 2026

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Friday 14:00 - 15:00 Jack Erskine 242
16 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May
Lecture B
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Friday 15:00 - 16:00 Jack Erskine 242
16 Feb - 29 Mar
20 Apr - 31 May

Course Coordinator

Bahareh Shahri

Course Administrator

Alison Lowery

Lecturer

Wendy Zhang

Assessment

Present your research proposal - 10%
Written research proposal - 30%
Review on evaluation of a product/service based on one of the contemporary critical design enquiries and how the design critique can benefit your design research - 60%

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,344.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Product Design on the departments and faculties page .

All PROD601 Occurrences

  • PROD601-26S1 (C) Semester One 2026