How to use EMBEDDED and TRANSFORMATIVE DESIGN like a pro in your dissertation- Learn in less than 9 minutes

How to use EMBEDDED and TRANSFORMATIVE DESIGN like a pro in your dissertation- Learn in less than 9 minutes

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Embedded design is a type of mixed methods research design that involves integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis within the same study. In this design, one method is embedded within the other, with one method taking priority over the other.

For example, in an embedded design study, the researcher may collect quantitative data using a survey and then use the qualitative data (e.g., interviews, focus groups) to explain or elaborate on the quantitative findings. Alternatively, the researcher may collect qualitative data first and then use the quantitative data to validate or generalize the qualitative findings.

In embedded design, the two methods are interdependent and connected, and the data collected from both methods are integrated during analysis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research question. The embedded design is useful when a single method alone cannot capture the complexity of the research question, and when the researcher wants to explore the interrelationship between different aspects of the phenomenon being studied.

Transformative design is a type of mixed methods research design that focuses on using research to create social change or transform a community. This design integrates both quantitative and qualitative methods to address complex social issues and to develop interventions to address them.

In transformative design, the research is conducted in partnership with the community or stakeholders, and the goal is to use the findings to inform action-oriented interventions. This design is often used in fields such as public health, social work, education, and community development.

The transformative design process typically involves the following steps:

  • Identifying the research question or problem to be addressed

  • Engaging the community or stakeholders in the research process

  • Employing both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather and analyse data

  • Developing and implementing an intervention based on the research findings

  • Assessing the intervention's success and making necessary modifications

  • Disseminating the findings to the community and stakeholders to inform future research and action.

Overall, transformative design is a collaborative approach to research that seeks to create meaningful change by using research to inform and guide action.

Now, let us know a little bit about how Embedded and Transformational design can help us to write a perfect dissertation chapter. 

Embedded design can be a useful research design approach for writing a perfect dissertation chapter. In an embedded design, the researcher can use both quantitative and qualitative data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research question, which can help in writing a more thorough and insightful dissertation chapter.

Here are some ways in which embedded design can help in writing a perfect dissertation chapter:

  • Enhance the validity and reliability of the research: By combining both quantitative and qualitative data, embedded design can help in verifying the accuracy of the findings and reducing the chances of errors in the research.

  • Provide a deeper understanding of the research question: Using qualitative data to explain or elaborate on quantitative findings can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research question, which can help in writing a more insightful dissertation chapter.

  • Strengthen the theoretical framework: Theoretical frameworks are essential components of dissertation chapters, and embedded design can help in providing more data to support or challenge the theoretical framework.

  • Facilitate triangulation of the data: By using multiple data sources and methods, embedded design can help in triangulating the data, which can enhance the credibility and rigor of the research.

  • Provide rich and meaningful data for analysis: Qualitative data can provide rich and meaningful insights into the research question, which can help in developing a more detailed and nuanced dissertation chapter.

Overall, embedded design can be an effective approach to conducting research and writing a perfect dissertation chapter, as it combines both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research question.

Transformative design can be a useful research design approach for writing a perfect dissertation chapter. In transformative design, the researcher works collaboratively with the community or stakeholders to address complex social issues and develop interventions to address them.

Here are some ways in which transformative design can help in writing a perfect dissertation chapter:

  • Create a meaningful research question: By working with the community or stakeholders to identify a research question, transformative design can ensure that the research is relevant and meaningful.

  • Provide a real-world context: Transformative design involves working in real-world contexts, which can help in developing a more realistic and relevant dissertation chapter.

  • Offer unique data sources: Transformative design can offer unique data sources, such as community input and feedback, which can provide valuable insights into the research question.

  • Enhance the credibility and rigor of the research: By working collaboratively with the community or stakeholders, transformative design can enhance the credibility and rigor of the research, as the research is grounded in the experiences and perspectives of those directly impacted by the social issue being addressed.

  • Facilitate the development of interventions: Transformative design involves developing interventions to address the social issue being studied. By documenting the process of developing and implementing these interventions, the researcher can provide valuable insights into effective interventions, which can be useful in writing a perfect dissertation chapter.

Overall, transformative design can be an effective approach to conducting research and writing a perfect dissertation chapter, as it involves working collaboratively with the community or stakeholders to address complex social issues and develop interventions, which can provide unique and valuable insights into the research question.

Now, let us know the DARK side of Embedded and Transformational design before using it in our dissertation. 

While embedded design can be a useful research design approach for a dissertation, there are some disadvantages to using this approach that should be considered.

Here are some potential disadvantages of using embedded design in a dissertation:

  • Complexity: Embedded design can be a complex research approach, as it involves combining multiple data sources and methods. This complexity can make it more challenging to plan and conduct the research.

  • Time-consuming: The process of collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data can be time-consuming, which can make it more challenging to complete the research within a specific timeframe.

  • Resource-intensive: Embedded design may require more resources than other research designs, as it may involve more data collection and analysis methods.

  • Data integration: Integrating data from multiple sources and methods can be challenging, as it requires a careful consideration of how the data will be merged and analyzed.

  • Difficulty in generalizing findings: Because embedded design is often focused on a specific context or population, it may be more challenging to generalize findings to other populations or contexts.

Overall, while embedded design can provide valuable insights into a research question, it may not always be the best approach for a dissertation, particularly if time and resource constraints are a concern. It is important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of any research design approach before beginning a dissertation.

Transformational design is a research design approach that seeks to promote change or transformation in individuals or organizations. While there are advantages to using this approach, such as the potential to make a significant impact in the field, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider, including:

  • Limited generalizability: Transformational design typically involves working with a small group of participants, which can limit the generalizability of the findings. This means that the results may not be applicable to a larger population or context.

  • Time-consuming: Transformational design often involves a lengthy intervention or program to promote change, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

  • Ethical considerations: Depending on the nature of the transformational intervention, there may be ethical considerations to consider, such as the potential for harm to participants or the need for informed consent.

  • Difficulties in measuring outcomes: Measuring the success of a transformational intervention can be challenging, particularly if the desired outcomes are subjective or difficult to quantify.

  • Limited control over external factors: Transformational design may be influenced by external factors that are outside the researcher's control, such as environmental or cultural factors that may impact the effectiveness of the intervention.

  • Limited theoretical framework: Transformational design may lack a strong theoretical framework, which can make it difficult to interpret the results or build upon the findings in future research.

Overall, while transformational design can be a valuable approach for promoting change and transformation in individuals and organizations, it is important to consider the potential disadvantages and limitations before selecting this approach for a dissertation or research project.

Now, let us know how to use both Embedded and Transformational design in our dissertation so that we can get the fruits of it.

Embedded and Transformational design is a research design approach that involves embedding the researcher in the natural environment of the research participants. This approach can be useful for gaining a deep understanding of a particular phenomenon or context.

Here are some steps you can follow to use both in your dissertation:

  • Specify the topic of your research: Decide on your study question or problem first. Determine what you hope to learn by using embedded design and how this approach will help you answer your research question.

  • Identify your research setting: Select a setting or context where the phenomenon you are interested in studying occurs. This could be a specific organization, community, or group of people.

  • Build relationships with participants: Both Embedded and Transformational design involves developing relationships with the research participants. Spend time getting to know the people in the setting you have chosen and build trust with them.

  • Collect data: Use a variety of methods to collect data, such as observation, interviews, and document analysis. Use your observations and interactions with participants to inform your data collection.

  • Analyze data: Analyze the data you have collected to identify patterns, themes, and insights. Use your observations and interactions with participants to inform your analysis.

  • Draw conclusions: Use your analysis to draw conclusions about the phenomenon you are studying. Discuss the implications of your findings for the setting you have studied and for the broader field.

  • Reflect on your role as the researcher: Both Embedded and Transformational design involves the researcher is embedded in the research setting. Reflect on your role as the researcher and how your presence may have influenced the research process and findings.

By following these steps, you can effectively use Embedded and Transformational design in your dissertation and gain a deep understanding of the phenomenon you are studying.

Now, we have known the basics of both Embedded and Transformational design, let us go a little deep into it.

We will find out how both Embedded and Transformational design can contribute to interdisciplinary research, So, let’s begin.

Embedded design refers to the process of creating electronic systems and devices that are integrated with a physical product or environment. It involves combining hardware, software, and mechanical components to create a functional system that can perform a specific task.

Embedded design can contribute to interdisciplinary research in a number of ways:

  • Enabling data collection and analysis: Embedded systems can be designed to collect and analyze data in real time. This data can be used to inform interdisciplinary research projects by providing insights into a wide range of phenomena, from environmental conditions to human behaviour.

  • Integrating sensors and actuators: Embedded systems can be designed to incorporate a wide range of sensors and actuators, which can be used to control and monitor various aspects of the physical world. This can be particularly useful in interdisciplinary research projects that involve studying complex systems, such as ecosystems or social networks.

  • Facilitating communication and collaboration: Embedded systems can be designed to facilitate communication and collaboration between different researchers and stakeholders. For example, an embedded system could be used to transmit data between researchers working in different locations or to provide real-time feedback to stakeholders in a community-based research project.

  • Supporting automation and control: Embedded systems can be designed to automate and control a wide range of processes, from manufacturing to agriculture. This can be particularly useful in interdisciplinary research projects that involve studying complex systems that require precise control and monitoring.

Overall, embedded design can contribute to interdisciplinary research by providing researchers with the tools and technologies they need to collect, analyze, and control data in real time. By leveraging the power of embedded systems, researchers can gain new insights into a wide range of phenomena, and collaborate more effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

Transformational design is an approach to design that emphasizes creating products, services, and systems that can fundamentally transform the way people live, work, and interact with their environment.

This approach can contribute to interdisciplinary research in a number of ways:

  • Encouraging creative problem-solving: Transformational design requires designers to think outside the box and approach problems from a fresh perspective. This mindset can be useful in interdisciplinary research projects that require creative problem-solving and innovation.

  • Integrating multiple perspectives: Transformational design often involves integrating multiple perspectives and stakeholders into the design process. This can be particularly useful in interdisciplinary research projects, where different disciplinary perspectives need to be brought together to tackle complex problems.

  • Promoting user-centred design: Transformational design is often driven by a focus on the end-user and their needs. This can be useful in interdisciplinary research projects that involve designing products or systems for a diverse range of users with different needs and perspectives.

  • Creating prototypes for testing and evaluation: Transformational design involves creating prototypes and testing them in real-world environments. This can be useful in interdisciplinary research projects where new technologies or systems need to be evaluated in the field.

  • Driving innovation: Transformational design is often associated with innovation and breakthrough ideas. This can be particularly useful in interdisciplinary research projects that require new ideas and approaches to solve complex problems.

Now, let us dive a little bit deeper which is how Embedded and Transformational design can help bridge disciplinary boundaries and generate new insights. So, let us know the answers.

Embedded design, which involves integrating electronic systems and devices with physical products or environments, can help bridge disciplinary boundaries and generate new insights in a number of ways:

  • Integration of different disciplinary perspectives: How Embedded design help to create a functional system? It integrates software, hardware and other mechanical components. Yet incorporating these is not simple. You need to have knowledge of computer science, and mechanical and electrical engineering. Hence, you can get a completely new insight and perspective by using interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • Real-time data collection: Embedded design can also help you to collect and transmit data in real time, but how? You need to use that data for a wide usage such as from the environmental conditions to human behaviour. Then only you can get insight to inform the interdisciplinary research project with the help of this data. But how can you get a wider understanding of the complex system? By combining this data with insights from different disciplines. 

  • Interdisciplinary collaboration: Let me give you an example of how Embedded systems can be designed to facilitate communication and collaboration between different researchers and stakeholders. An embedded system could transmit data between researchers working in different locations or provide real-time feedback to stakeholders in a community-based research project. But why should we collaborate with other researchers? Because new insights and ideas can come only through collaboration.

  • Customisation for different research needs: Various research needs such as monitoring environmental conditions, tracking animal behaviour, or measuring human physiology can also be customised by using Embedded systems. But what is the need os customisation? This customization can allow researchers to tailor the technology to their specific research needs which significantly leads to new insights and discoveries.

Transformational design, which emphasizes creating products, services, and systems that can fundamentally transform the way people live, work, and interact with their environment, can help bridge disciplinary boundaries and generate new insights in a number of ways:

  • Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration: Transformational design often involves working with experts from different fields to develop innovative solutions. This interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to new insights and perspectives that may not have been possible otherwise.

  • Focusing on the end-user: Transformational design is often driven by a focus on the end-user and their needs. This can be useful in interdisciplinary research projects that involve designing products or systems for a diverse range of users with different needs and perspectives. By taking a user-centred approach, researchers can develop solutions that are more effective and useful across different disciplines.

  • Addressing complex problems: Transformational design often involves tackling complex problems that require input from multiple disciplines. This can be particularly useful in interdisciplinary research projects that require new approaches to solve complex problems.

  • Encouraging innovation: Transformational design is often associated with innovation and breakthrough ideas. This can be particularly useful in interdisciplinary research projects that require new ideas and approaches to solve complex problems.

  • Creating prototypes for testing and evaluation: Transformational design involves creating prototypes and testing them in real-world environments. This can be useful in interdisciplinary research projects where new technologies or systems need to be evaluated in the field.

By applying the principles of transformational design to interdisciplinary research projects, researchers can develop new solutions that have the potential to fundamentally transform the way people live and interact with their environment, and generate new insights across disciplines.

Now, we will know the final question of this blog which is the role of reflexivity in embedded and transformative design.

Reflexivity is an important concept in research, which involves reflecting on the researcher's own positionality, assumptions, and biases. By being reflexive, researchers can critically examine their own role in the research process and how their own perspectives and biases may influence the research outcomes. Reflexivity is especially important in interdisciplinary research, where researchers with different backgrounds and perspectives come together to work on a common research question.

One of the primary reasons why reflexivity is important in research is that it helps to improve the validity and reliability of the research outcomes. Researchers who are reflexive are better able to identify and address their own biases and assumptions, which can improve the accuracy and fairness of the research results. Additionally, reflexivity can help researchers to develop a deeper understanding of the research topic by acknowledging and examining their own role in the research process.

Another reason why reflexivity is important in research is that it can help to promote ethical research practices. By being reflexive, researchers can identify and address potential sources of bias or conflicts of interest that may arise during the research process. This can help to ensure that the research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner, and that the rights and well-being of participants are protected.

Incorporating reflexivity into the research process can be challenging, as it requires researchers to be self-aware and open to criticism and feedback. However, there are several strategies that researchers can use to promote reflexivity, such as engaging in regular self-reflection and critical analysis, seeking out diverse perspectives and feedback from stakeholders, documenting the research process and decisions, and collaborating with researchers from different disciplines.

Reflexivity is the process of reflecting on the researcher's own positionality, assumptions, and biases in the research process. In embedded and transformative design, reflexivity is important because it can help researchers identify and address the ways in which their own perspectives and biases may be influencing the design process, and can help them develop more inclusive and effective solutions.

To incorporate reflexivity into the research process, researchers can:

  • Reflect on their own positionality: Researchers should reflect on their own background, experiences, and perspectives, and how these might influence their design decisions. For example, a researcher from a particular cultural background may have different assumptions about how a product should look or function, and this may need to be taken into account when designing for a diverse user base.

  • Engage with diverse perspectives: Researchers should actively seek out diverse perspectives and engage in dialogue with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds. This can help to identify blind spots or biases in the design process and can lead to more inclusive and effective solutions.

  • Document the design process: Researchers should document their design process and decision-making, including the assumptions and biases that are identified and addressed. This documentation can serve as a record of the reflexivity process and can help to ensure that the research is transparent and replicable.

  • Incorporate feedback: Researchers should be open to feedback from stakeholders and should incorporate this feedback into the design process. This can help to ensure that the design is meeting the needs of diverse users and can lead to more effective solutions.

  • Collaborate across disciplines: Researchers should collaborate with experts from different disciplines, including those outside of design, to bring diverse perspectives to the design process. This can help to identify blind spots or biases in the design process and can lead to more inclusive and effective solutions.

You can comment if you want to know about Dissertation Chapter Writing techniques, Dissertation chapter writing structure or Dissertation Chapters Writing Guide.

I hope you have got a basic and also an in-depth understanding of using Embedded and Transformative design in your dissertation like a pro. Wish you all the best AND

Thank you for reading this blog 🙂. 

 

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