Introduction

VCD Research and Development is a pivotal paper in the Bachelor of Design with Honours (BDes Hons)
study. This paper focuses on establishing the skills and processes to move forward to a design
completion in the paper 222.454 VCD Research Project in semester 2. Completion of this paper will position
to produce your final and probably most significant work of your degree.
Design practice is always underpinned by research. This paper requires development of a topic which can be
addressed through design activity. The written components in this paper guide the use of appropriate
methods to investigate a topic through analysis, synthesis and reflection resulting in a design direction or
response. The written components and creative work are conducted at the same time as each informs the
other.

Aim

The aim of this paper is to equip you with the necessary skills to conduct research and to present this study
in a scholarly format. Individual aims include:
‣ To develop ability to investigate a topic in both written and visual form
‣ To develop ability to collate, analyse, and evaluate material associated with a topic
‣ To present research in a coherent and concise manner
‣ To form a design proposal or brief that will enable further execution as a design production project.