Notes from reading 03

Successful Thesis Proposals

1. Start with what interest you. What are you obsessed with? What are you passionate about?

2. Make sure you have a point. What are you arguing?

3. Do not base your proposal on the obvious

4. Shorter is usually better

5. Think through your claims. Are they true? Logical? Do you believe them? Will others believe them? If they are true, what are the ramifications?

6. Do not make sweeping statements for dramatic effect or without supporting them with documentation.

7. Define your terms.

8. Do not claim that you will prove anything-we are designers, not cold -fusion scientists.

9. Please be aware that you will revise your proposal as your research dictates and your process evolves.

Research

1. Let your topic dictate the type of research you do, and have an idea of what you are looking for.

2. Maintain a level of cynicism

3. Consult with an expert mentor in your chosen field of study.

4. Develop a system for note-taking as you read.

5. Footnote your sources.

6. Avoid reading pseudo-science.

7. Interviewing all of your friends about your topic is not research of intellectual merit.

The Thesis Project

1. Do not have preconceived ideas about what form your project will take.

2. Create a written outline of your narrative/argument diagramming your core and secondary messages.

3. Give your audience "multiple access points" to your content.

4. The visual language of your thesis should be appropriate to your subject/content.

5. If you are unfamiliar with your chosen medium-video.

6. Approach the idea of creating an installation with some trepidation.