DIS60304 Design Research Dissertation

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 25.09.2025--4.1.2026 (WEEK 1-14)

LEBON STEPHANIE AMELIE JUDITH  0362853

Design Research Dissertation / Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media/ Taylors University

Final Compilation and Reflection:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

  • Instructions.
  • Task 1
  • Task 2 
  • Task 3
  • Task 4
  • Feedback
  • Reflection
Instructions:

Task 1:


Task 2:


Task 3:
















Task 4:


Feed Back:


Reflection:

Throughout the completion of this research project and its associated tasks, I have gained a much deeper understanding of both the academic research process and the role of visual communication in education. Working on the dissertation, visual design, and journal article stages allowed me to experience the full lifecycle of a design research project, from initial investigation to refined academic output.

At the beginning of the project, I found the research process challenging, particularly in structuring my ideas clearly and aligning them with academic standards. Developing the literature review required me to critically engage with existing studies rather than simply summarising them. This was a learning curve, as I had to understand how to compare different viewpoints, identify gaps, and support my arguments with credible sources. However, with continuous tutorial feedback, I gradually became more confident in my academic writing and research organisation.

One of the most valuable experiences was conducting the quantitative survey and analysing the collected data. Designing the survey questions helped me understand how research tools directly influence the quality of findings. Interpreting the results also strengthened my analytical skills, as I had to translate numerical and qualitative data into meaningful discussion points. This process reinforced my belief in the effectiveness of educational-based infographic posters, as the findings consistently supported their ability to improve engagement, understanding, and retention.

The visual design task was particularly rewarding, as it allowed me to merge research with my design skills. Creating the dissertation book and visual layouts helped me understand how design decisions such as hierarchy, spacing, typography, and colour impact readability and communication. This stage highlighted the importance of balance between aesthetics and clarity, reinforcing one of the key conclusions of my research: that good design is not just visually appealing but functionally effective.

Transforming the full dissertation into a journal article was another significant learning experience. Condensing the content without losing meaning required careful decision-making and a stronger sense of prioritisation. This task improved my editing skills and taught me how academic work must adapt to different formats and audiences.

Overall, this project strengthened my research confidence, critical thinking, and design awareness. It also confirmed my interest in research-driven design, where visual communication is used as a tool to enhance learning and accessibility. The experience has prepared me well for future academic and professional work, especially in projects that require both analytical depth and thoughtful visual execution.

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