XD5009 - UX Research and Design Methods

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will build on your knowledge and skills developed in the level 4 UX Design Principles module, by learning user and context research methods that are integral for ensuring good user experiences when designing for digital interactions and products.

It will support you in developing the skills and knowledge needed to conduct research that embeds human-centred design in your practice.

You will learn advanced, creative and participatory research methods to not only desirable understand potential users and the contexts in which they are to use your digital designs but also to creatively experiment and investigate their use outside of the studio. This will enable you learn and develop best practices for user-centred research, skills which a transferable across a range of industries and employment sectors beyond design.

You will be introduced to methods and techniques for prototype evaluation and piloting. For example techniques such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, heuristic evaluations, ‘Wizard of Oz-ing’, role-playing, think-aloud, contextual observation (ethnography) service design and co-design workshops.

How will I learn on this module?

Weekly presentations and case studies will introduce you to new UX research methods and techniques.
Debates, discussions and ideation session of how you might employ these methods will be used as the main avenue for growing your understanding of UX research.
In the studio, flipped learning exercises will encourage you to experiment and explore UX research methods and tools tailored to support you in conducting user research centred around the technologies outlined in the module brief.
You will have the opportunity to delve more in-depth in UX research method(s) of your choice and select those that are appropriate to the brief and the user audience you are researching.
You will explore the strengths and weaknesses of UX research methods, develop a UX research plan with materials to be used as part of your research (e.g. co-design workshop plan) and implement the research to generate design recommendations for the technology being researched.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your learning will be facilitated by the module’s tutors who will guide you into confidently deploying contemporary UX and human-centred design methods . You will also have the opportunity to conduct user research as part of ongoing research projects led by researchers at the university. You will be expected to engage in peer-learning through which you critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of different methods and their appropriateness for different use cases. Learning resources will be made available to support pre-session, during and post-session learnings on the eLearning portal.

Teaching will be carried out through a combination of lectures, workshops, and studio-like group discussions and projects. Continuous assessment will be provided through seminars, studio-like group coaching. Marking assessment will be carried out through your presentations and submission of exercises and projects.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• LO 1Demonstrate understanding of human centred design methods and principles to your design practice KU1

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• LO 2 Ability to select and appropriately apply a range of UX research methods and approaches in the development of design artefacts IPSA1
• LO 3 Evidence of ability to design concepts, proposals or solutions that appropriately respond to clearly identified needs or issues. ISPA2

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• LO 4 Demonstration of collaborative or cooperative team working to tackle problems that benefit from a multi-perspective approach. PVA3
• LO5 Demonstrate skills in pitching design artefacts or proposals to potential users or stakeholders. PVA4

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed formatively, using verbal feedback during timetabled sessions at key stages of the design development process.

You will be summatively assessed at the end of the module through the submission of a:

• Annotated Design Process Book: 60 %
A self-reflective document that shows your process and in which you critically reflect upon your process and the work produced
MLOs 1, 2 ,3

• Group presentations: 15% made to peers introducing an assigned UX research method
MLOs 4, 5

• Individual presentations: 25% in which you present reflective and analytical work representative of your UX research journey.
MLOs 1, 5




At the summative stage you will receive initial verbal feedback during your presentation, followed up with additional written feedback on your design process book and final submission.

Pre-requisite(s)

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module aims to build your knowledge and skills in conducting advanced, creative and participatory user research as part of the design process. You will be introduced to innovative and exciting methods and techniques that centre human experiences when evaluating digital interactions and products which are integral for the design of good user experiences (UX).

You will explore different UX research methods and experiment with implementing them before critically selecting and developing methods appropriate to garnering knowledge on user experiences. These skills will help you evaluate and iteratively design digital interactions and experiences and communicate to stakeholders the user research required for successful digital designs/products.

Course info

UCAS Code Z045

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Design Arts and Creative Industries

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

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