Design Research Lab: New Technologies for Design Research

In the Design Research Lab, students will gain hands-on experience with methods for measuring human behaviour in a design context. This will involve using established techniques (such as creativity assessment, design process analysis and workload assessment) and new technologies for human activity measurement such as motion tracking, heart rate monitoring and facial expression recognition.

An understanding of human behaviour can help architects and designers create impactful artefacts that satisfy the needs and desires of users. For example, knowledge of human behaviour and psychology during the design process to create workspaces that promote well-being and foster creativity.

In the Design Research Lab, students will be provided with a brief foundation in research methodology. After selecting a research question, they will identify relevant psychological or behavioural concepts and set out to measure them. We will learn about how to define, operationalise and measure human behaviour in a way that can provide valid outcomes. Through the use of established techniques, students will gain practical experience will collecting and analysing data and reporting results. By testing sensor-based measurement technologies provided by the Chair, we will also push the boundaries of current methodological practice in design science and identify the strengths and weaknesses of new techniques for design research. The class will be a valuable, practical benefit to Master’s students studying human behaviour in the context of architecture, design or creativity.

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Chair for Integrated Product Design

Technical University of Munich
TUM School of Engineering and Design

Arcisstr. 21
80333 Munich

ipd@ed.tum.de