Research is media-based as soon as an artifact forms the basis of scientific investigation ("Research Through Design"). The goal of the research, and at the same time the design process, is to gain new knowledge in subject areas relevant to the design discipline. The knowledge gained by a media dissertation thus extends beyond the knowledge inherent in the media by explicitly naming and reflecting it.
With the introduction of the media dissertation at the ED, a new possibility of transferring design practices into research methods opens up in the fields of architecture, art and design teaching and research. Especially in design teaching, the documentation of media-based research serves as quality assurance. Through media dissertations, design processes can be shared and discussed and thus made accessible to international academia.
The medium of the dissertation can be chosen freely and - like the format of the work - it can be developed independently and agreed upon with the supervisors. In line with international standards, both the written and the media part of the dissertation can account for a share of 30 percent to 70 percent each.
Regardless of its form, the media dissertation must demonstrate the doctoral candidate's ability to work independently and scientifically and to present their results clearly. Further, the thesis should make its own, new, continuing and inherently coherent scientific contribution. Furthermore, the permanent and therefore quotable documentation of the chosen media must be ensured, which can be realized e.g. by video files, audio recordings or photo documentations.
Further information on doctoral studies at the TUM School of Engineering and Design (ED)