Research Design

This course is a blend of academic and applied science, targeting core design principles through scholarly research methods and applied usability techniques. The first part of this course will allow the student to understand the core principles of applied research (validity). The second part of this course will allow the student to understand the core principles of applied design (usability). A human design approach will allow students to test commercial products and video games. Students will move past surface level references to game design mechanics, endeavoring to explore complex game mechanic constructs such as reward systems, timing, skills, rules, immersion, mental models, knowledge structures, and more.

Course Outline

• Advanced Research Methods
• Advanced Design Constructs
• Validity
• Game Usability
• Efficiency
• Game Feel