Design Research Methodology: Final Compilations
23/9/2023
ALTAIFI, LEEN MAAN A (0367698)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media, Taylor's University
Design Research Methodology
Table of Content
2. Feedback
3. Reflections
1. Instructions & Tasks
Module Information Booklet
3. Feedback Report
4. Reflections
Experience
Initially, I was disappointed that this module was conducted entirely online, because I personally prefer physical classes to motivate me to work and get real-world interactions and feedback. Thus I feel that my performance in this module was not my best, in all honesty, mainly due to it being online and missing important announcements. However, despite not liking it being online, I tried being consistent and showing my progress weekly to my assigned advisor. I received good guidance and advice that made me learn from my mistakes. And since this was mainly a self-learning module, I had to learn, albeit the hard way, the things I needed to learn by myself with no guidance. And since this module is a research module, I have to put in all the effort in the research and data collection, which is quite different from what I’m used to, which is doing the practical design. This made me understand my weaknesses, and I strive to be better at it.
Because the topic I chose was related to something billions of people deal with today, I was very interested in researching and observing how this affects us. My topic tackles the struggles of social media overconsumption and how it can lead to addiction due to the deliberate design of its UI/UX features, luring the users in and, in a way, manipulating them into staying by tapping into their desires. As I was researching the psychological effects of these features in people, I realized all of these things I experience myself as well. Although I was already aware of it, I was not aware of it with this depth. Which is why I wanted to research this further to find out more, hoping that could help me reduce my social media use as well. And I’ve noticed, in my survey, when asking what steps do people think should be taken to balance user engagement and social media overconsumption, a notable number of answers were skeptical and cynical in regards to expecting positive change in this matter. I noticed this is a common theme, especially in Gen Z, which is why they call us the “doomer generation’.
An important finding I discovered through this research that I did not previously take into account is that, when we think of social media overconsumption, we’re quick to label it as ‘addiction’, but context of the person’s state of mind is really important to note. Since this is a relatively new phenomenon, there is not enough research to tell whether social media causes these mental health issues or if people with said issues are simply more drawn to social media. There is a complex overlap to mental issues in today’s world, and whether social media is causing it or amplifying, we still do not know. However, people that are aware of their overconsumption and feel tremendous guilt, often take action and take breaks from social media. A person with good health and self-control will be able to self-regulate, which is why it is important to note the person’s mental health.
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