Writing A Thesis

The following document outlines the essential components necessary to write a good thesis proposal. Once completed, your thesis proposal will provide a solid narrative for the rest of the term.

A thesis proposal consists of three main components - OBSERVATION, PROPOSITION and ANTICIPATED INVESTIGATION.

Deadlines:
V1 Thesis proposals are DUE at the beginning of Class 2 - September 23rd
Final thesis proposals are DUE at the end of Class 3 - September 30


1.0 Introduction or Main Topic Description or Executive Summary
Begin by introducing the chosen topic or theme you plan to investigate. Topics or themes can be broad, therefore, it;s important that you define the specific area of focus within that topic. Craft a statement that demands you to justify or explain how you plan to execute your idea, why it's such an important project and what considerations will need to be made.

Students are encouraged to begin their pursuits through the following topics/themes.
- for culture
- for education
- for health/well being
- for regional entrepreneurship
- for social/political concerns
- for new media/interactivity

2.0 Design Problem or Opportunity
A good thesis is born out of an existing problem or opportunity. Problems and opportunities are discovered through observations and research. Explain what you have discovered through observation or research that leads you to answer the question; "Why is there a need for this product or service?". Once this is done, your thesis statement should articulate how you intend to fill this void.

3.0 Audience
Your role as a designer is to create relevant connections to your audience. In this section you need to clearly define who your audience is. The more granular you are, the easier it will be throughout the entire duration of your project. What are key characteristics of your target audience? Please be thorough.

4.0 Objectives and Criteria
Projects are deemed successful by measuring them against objectives and criteria. Therefore you must define clear, measurable objectives that can be monitored and checked throughout the lifespan of your project. At this point, you need to get specific on how do you intend to resolve your problem, or capitalize on your stated opportunity.

Criteria answer the question "how?" but in more tangible terms. What will you end up with if your project is successful? A CD-ROM, a book, a website, a branding campaign? What types of media will you be using to create your project?

When starting out, be ambitious and thorough with your criteria - this area can always be edited.

This section can also include references to a timeline or workback schedule

5.0 Research Summary
The first section should summarize and document all your research leading up to the creation of your final Thesis Statement. This section may consist of personal observation, interviews, books, magazines, the web, etc. (You will be marked on the diversity, imaginativeness and documentation of your explorations). The second section should layout future research initiatives.


6.0 Personal Objectives and Educational Goals
List your personal and educational objectives for the next 12 weeks. How will this project benefit your overall career goals? Be as specific as possible.