Design Theory Immersion

COURSE PLAN

Course name:
Design Theory Immersion

ECTS/HP: 7,5

Kurskod: ETKS013

Educational level: Third-cycle course

Eligibility requirements: Admitted to third-cycle studies at Luleå University of Technology (LTU).

The examiner, in consultation with the Head of subject, shall determine whether the course is open to doctoral students admitted at universities other than LTU.

Furthermore, LTU employees with an approved professional development plan may, subject to availability, be granted permission to attend the course upon application and decision by the examiner. The application must be accompanied by a professional development plan signed by the immediate supervisor. In such cases, the examiner shall issue a separate course certificate upon completion of the course.

Prerequisites: Basic doctoral-level courses in design

Course content:
This course provides PhD students with an in-depth exploration of design theory, emphasizing critical reflection on human-centered design, its methodologies, and its implications. The course combines theoretical readings, individual analysis, and group discussions to build advanced competence in understanding and applying design theories in academic research.

Learning outcomes:

Demonstrate broad knowledge in and a systematic understanding of design research, as well as deep knowledge within a defined area of the research field

Demonstrate the ability for scientific analysis and synthesis, as well as independent critical review and evaluation of new and complex phenomena, issues and situations.

Demonstrate the ability to critically, independently, creatively and with scientific precions identify and formulate research questions, plan and conduct research with appropriate methods within given timeframes, and review and evaluate such work.

Demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge.

Course methods:

The course is implemented as introductory lectures and seminars – which introduces design theory, design research frameworks, and critical perspectives, through in-depth reading of key texts and theses, including individual analysis and peer discussions and individual assignments. At the end of the course, the PhD student present key findings and learnings.

Examination form:

1. Design research approach – written and oral examination U/G
2. Critical Analysis – written and oral examination U/G
3. Reflection – written and oral examination U/G
4. Design theory framework – poster and oral examination U/G

Grading scale: Pass/Fail.

Course literature:

Akama, Y., Pink, S. & Sumartojo, S. (2018). Uncertainty and Possibility: New Approaches to Future making in design anthropology. Bloomsbury Academic.

Buchanan, R. (1992). Wicked problems in design thinking. Design Issues, 8(2): 5-21.

Blessing, L.T.M. & Chakrabarti, A. (2009). DRM: a design research methodology. Springer.

Cross, N. (2006). Designerly ways of knowing: design discipline versus design science. Design Issues, 17(3): 49-55.

Dorst, K. (1997). Describing design: a comparison of paradigms (PhD thesis). Delft University of Technology.

Goldschmidt, G. & Rodgers, P.A. (2013). The Design Thinking Research Symposium DTRS: Past, Present, and Future. Design Studies, 34(3): 139-153. (offers insights into the structure and narrative of rigorous design research, which can inform your reading strategies.

Gray, C. & Malins, J. (2004). Visualizing research: a guide to the research process in art and design. Ashgate Publishing.

Koskinen, I., Zimmerman, J., Binder, T., Redström, J. & Wensveen, S. (2011). Design Research through Practice: from the lab, field and showroom. Morgan Kaufmann.

Latour, B. (2008). A Cautious Prometheus? A few steps toward a philosophy of design. In Networks of Design, pp. 2-10.

Schön, D.A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: how professionals think in action. Basic Books.

Simon, H.A. (1988). The Science of Design: creating the artificial. Design Issues (1988): 67-82.

Zeisel, J. (2006). Inquiry by design: tools for environment-behaviour research. WW. Norton & Company.

Education cycle:
When there are enough applicants

Course is given periodically:

Yes, when there are enough applicants

Send application to: Åsa Wikberg Nilsson, asa.wikberg-nilsson@ltu.se

The doctoral student states in the application: name, personal identity number, email address, department and institutional affiliation.

Deadline for application:

Course open for application by doctoral students admitted to other universities than LTU: Yes. Decided by the course examiner in consultation with the Head of subject.

Limited number of students:
No

Tuition:
The course is free of charge for doctoral students admitted at LTU.

For doctoral students admitted at universities other than LTU, the course examiner, in consultation with the subject representative, shall determine whether a course fee will be required.

Contact person: Åsa Wikberg Nilsson, asa.wikberg-nilsson@ltu.se

Examiner: Åsa Wikberg Nilsson. Professor in Design

Course syllabus decided by:
Helena Ranängen

Date of decision:
2025-11-17