Design Research and Innovation

7.5 credits

Learn how to design research that drives innovation, turning ideas, practices, and theory into a research proposal for future-oriented change.

This course introduces design research approaches with a focus on innovation and change. Students explore key models of design research, compare different research traditions, and examine how research through design contributes to future-oriented practices.

Through seminars, discussions, and workshops, students analyze literature, case studies, and design research projects. They then develop their own design research proposal, integrating theory, design practice, and appropriate research methods.

The course also addresses research ethics, reflexivity, and the politics of knowledge production, as well as practical academic skills such as information retrieval, critical source evaluation, and academic writing.

Teaching includes seminars, workshops, tutorials, and supervision.

Assessment:

• 50 % Written research proposal – Development of a coherent design research proposal.

• 20 % Oral examination – Discussion of theoretical and practical aspects of the proposal.

• 20 % Individual written reflection – Critical reflection on the research process.

• 10 % Active participation – Engagement in seminars and workshops.

Learning Process (Course Structure):

The course progresses through three main stages:

1. Explore Design Research
Students examine literature, cases, and examples of design research and innovation.

2. Develop a Research Proposal
Students define their research question, approach, and methods.

3. Present and Critically Review
Students present their proposal and receive feedback from peers and supervisors.

Throughout the course, students engage with both explicit and tacit knowledge through reading, discussion, writing, and presenting.

Application and portfolio

The application process consists of two steps at universityadmissions.se:

1) Application to the course.

2) Submission of your portfolio.

You find guidelines for the portfolio below. Please submit your entire application, including the portfolio assignments below, by last day of application.

Deadline to apply and application code: see under the header Semester on this page.

Portfolio guidelines. Design Research and Innovation

Portfolio guidelines

Submit your portfolio to Linnaeus University at Universityadmissions.se.

For your submitted portfolio to be deemed complete, you must follow these instructions:

Show some representative work, including visualizations of your degree project, when possible. Please upload the portfolio as a PDF in low resolution. Links to portfolios online are not accepted.

Your portfolio should include a maximum of 12 pages of your most creative work and should show visualization of design projects you find relevant concerning your artistic skills and interest in design. You do not need to upload any written reports. You can include work that demonstrates the range of your interests, even outside of your studies, such as internships, practical work, etc. Finally include one page with your CV/resume.

Please make sure to include a brief description of the work you upload as well as the following information:

Name:
Application number:
Name of University at which you have studied for your BA degree:
Country you have studied for your undergraduate degree:

Admission to the courses

If you meet the eligibility criteria, your application will be accepted and evaluated based on your portfolio. The course coordinator will evaluate your portfolio based on the following criteria:

Artistic quality and visualization skills
Creative approach and project relevance

The university will not disclose the reasons behind the decision to accept or reject any individual application. Approved students will be notified through Universityadmissions.se or Antagning.se.

Checklist for Application:

I have submitted my application through Universityadmissions.se.
I have prepared my portfolio according to the guidelines provided.
I have uploaded my portfolio to Universityadmissions.se and made sure that all my files are included, and that I have submitted written descriptions of my uploaded files.

Do you have any Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the application or permission related issue do not hesitate to inquire by e-mail to Admissions Office: admission@lnu.se

If you have any questions regarding the application and portfolio, or other related issue please inquire by e-mail to program coordinator Miguel Salinas: miguel.salinas@lnu.se

Växjö – the student city with a vibrant campus

Just south of Växjö city centre lies Campus Växjö. Many students choose to live on campus.

Here you have friends, restaurants, lecture halls, gyms, a supermarket, the university library, outdoor recreation areas, and student pubs – all within a five-minute walk. You can also live in other parts of Växjö and easily reach the university by bike or bus.

With nearly 100 000 inhabitants, Växjö is one of Sweden’s fastest-growing cities. It has a strong Småland entrepreneurial spirit and a diverse business sector – perfect when you’re looking for a placement, an internship, or a job.

Växjö is also a scenic city, where you’re always close to forests and lakes, and it offers plenty of events and experiences, ranging from music and food to sports.

Build your own degree

Did you know that you can combine single-subject courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can design your own degree based on your interests and the career you are aiming for. This does not apply to all courses so make sure to check with a study counsellor at the faculty. Learn more about how you can build your own degree and become unique on the labour market.