VA408 Research Methods in Visual Communication
VA408 Research Methods in Visual Communication
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Mar 03, 2026
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Visual Arts and Visual Communications Design
Course Objectives
This course offers students an introduction to the research process by critically examining published research relevant to their field of interest. It aims to foster an understanding of research terminology and incorporate essential research elements into various approaches. In visual communication design education, the design practice has evolved to be more reflexive and multidisciplinary. It now emphasizes understanding research methodologies from both classical disciplines and cultural studies. This evolution aims to equip graduates with lifelong learning skills necessary for success in the constantly changing design industry. Thus, emphasizing the importance of research knowledge in fostering innovation within design.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
1. Visual Research, An Introduction to Research Methods in Graphic Design, By Russell Bestley, Paul McNeil · 2022 2. Visual Research, An Introduction to Research Methods in Graphic Design, By Russell Bestley, Ian Noble · 2017 3. A Designer's Research Manual, Succeed in Design by Knowing Your Clients and What They Really Need, By JenniferVisocky O'Grady, Ken O'Grady · 2009 4. Research for Designers: A Guide to Methods and Practice" by Gjoko Muratovski, 2022 5. Kate L. Turabian. 2007. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations.
Additional Literature
Teaching Methods
Lecture method during the lesson development; the collaboration method and discussion during the class exercise.
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Course Assessments and Administration | disscussion |
| 2 | Introduction to research based design and visual communication perspectives. | disscussion |
| 3 | Research essentials – research structure - creating the content. | A01- research and analysis. |
| 4 | Understanding research methods – models of practice in research (action research, reflective practice, alternative methods). | disscussion |
| 5 | Understanding approaches to design research – humanities, practice-centered, practice based approach | disscussion |
| 6 | Mixed scientific methods approaches | A02 – analysis, synthesis |
| 7 | Developing the Research Problem Statement - Research Questions and Hypotheses | A03 – planning, questioning |
| 8 | Visual and Applied research – Choosing research approach | A04 - disscussion |
| 9 | Midterm | Exam |
| 10 | 1st Development of research proposal- Elaboration of Topic-Question-Working Hypothesis Elaboration of Research Statement | A05 - disscussion |
| 11 | 2nd Developing the research proposal- Literature Review | disscussion |
| 12 | 3rd Developing the research proposal / research report, executive summery | A06 – preparing proposal draft. |
| 13 | 4th Developing the research proposal / formulating design brief, design report | A07- submission of literature review |
| 14 | Requirements for the submission of the Research Paper | Proposal draft - A08 |
| 15 | Requirements for the submission of the Research Paper | Proposal |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
Office Hours & Room
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Project
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes :
Assignments
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes :
Midterm Project
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes :
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture hours
15 hours ⏳ (15 week × 1 h)
Assignments
60 hours ⏳ (10 week × 6 h)
Lab
30 hours ⏳ (15 week × 2 h)
Midterm Project
18 hours ⏳ (2 week × 9 h)
Final Project preparation
27 hours ⏳ (3 week × 9 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [VA408] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Mar 03, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo
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Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Course Code | Course Title | Weekly Hours* | ECTS | Weekly Class Schedule | ||||||
| T | P | |||||||||
| VA408 | Research Methods in Visual Communication | 2 | 1 | 6 | ||||||
| Prerequisite | VA217 | It is a prerequisite to | VA490 | |||||||
| Lecturer | Office Hours / Room / Phone | Currently not available |
||||||||
| Assistant | Assistant E-mail | |||||||||
| Course Objectives | This course offers students an introduction to the research process by critically examining published research relevant to their field of interest. It aims to foster an understanding of research terminology and incorporate essential research elements into various approaches. In visual communication design education, the design practice has evolved to be more reflexive and multidisciplinary. It now emphasizes understanding research methodologies from both classical disciplines and cultural studies. This evolution aims to equip graduates with lifelong learning skills necessary for success in the constantly changing design industry. Thus, emphasizing the importance of research knowledge in fostering innovation within design. | |||||||||
| Textbook | 1. Visual Research, An Introduction to Research Methods in Graphic Design, By Russell Bestley, Paul McNeil · 2022 2. Visual Research, An Introduction to Research Methods in Graphic Design, By Russell Bestley, Ian Noble · 2017 3. A Designer's Research Manual, Succeed in Design by Knowing Your Clients and What They Really Need, By JenniferVisocky O'Grady, Ken O'Grady · 2009 4. Research for Designers: A Guide to Methods and Practice" by Gjoko Muratovski, 2022 5. Kate L. Turabian. 2007. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. | |||||||||
| Additional Literature | ||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: | |||||||||
|
||||||||||
| Teaching Methods | Lecture method during the lesson development; the collaboration method and discussion during the class exercise. | |||||||||
| Teaching Method Delivery | Face-to-face | Teaching Method Delivery Notes | ||||||||
| WEEK | TOPIC | REFERENCE | ||||||||
| Week 1 | Introduction to Course Assessments and Administration | disscussion | ||||||||
| Week 2 | Introduction to research based design and visual communication perspectives. | disscussion | ||||||||
| Week 3 | Research essentials – research structure - creating the content. | A01- research and analysis. | ||||||||
| Week 4 | Understanding research methods – models of practice in research (action research, reflective practice, alternative methods). | disscussion | ||||||||
| Week 5 | Understanding approaches to design research – humanities, practice-centered, practice based approach | disscussion | ||||||||
| Week 6 | Mixed scientific methods approaches | A02 – analysis, synthesis | ||||||||
| Week 7 | Developing the Research Problem Statement - Research Questions and Hypotheses | A03 – planning, questioning | ||||||||
| Week 8 | Visual and Applied research – Choosing research approach | A04 - disscussion | ||||||||
| Week 9 | Midterm | Exam | ||||||||
| Week 10 | 1st Development of research proposal- Elaboration of Topic-Question-Working Hypothesis Elaboration of Research Statement | A05 - disscussion | ||||||||
| Week 11 | 2nd Developing the research proposal- Literature Review | disscussion | ||||||||
| Week 12 | 3rd Developing the research proposal / research report, executive summery | A06 – preparing proposal draft. | ||||||||
| Week 13 | 4th Developing the research proposal / formulating design brief, design report | A07- submission of literature review | ||||||||
| Week 14 | Requirements for the submission of the Research Paper | Proposal draft - A08 | ||||||||
| Week 15 | Requirements for the submission of the Research Paper | Proposal | ||||||||
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Project | 1 | 30 | Not Allowed | ||
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Assignments | 8 | 50 | Not Allowed | ||
| Midterm Project | 1 | 20 | Not Allowed | ||
| Not Allowed | |||||
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture hours | 1 | 15 | 15 | Assignments | 6 | 10 | 60 | |||
| Lab | 2 | 15 | 30 | Midterm Project | 9 | 2 | 18 | |||
| Final Project preparation | 9 | 3 | 27 | |||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 27/03/2026 | |||||||||