ACT0200 Computing and Cybernetics
Computing and Cybernetics
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ACT0200
Computing and Cybernetics
+61 2 6125 5111 Submission and assessment is anonymous where appropriate
and possible. Please do not write your name on this
coversheet.
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S tudent ID
(For group assignments, list
each student’s ID)
U6609693
C ours e C ode (e.g.
COMP3900 and/or
COMP6390)
COMP3900
C ours e Name Human-Computer Interaction
As s ig nment Tas k (e.g.,
Assessment 1, Assessment 2,
Group Project Slides etc.)
Assignment1-part1
As s ig nment T itle (i.e.
choose a report title/name)
Research Plan
L ec turer Dr Susan Hansen
Tutorial (day and time)
(e.g., Wednesdays 4pm-5pm)
Wednesdays 4pm-5pm
Word c ount 1164 Due Date 21/08/2023
Date S ubmitted 21/08/2023 E xtens ion
G ranted1
I declare that this work:
o upholds the principles of academic integrity, as defined in the University Academic Misconduct Rules;
o is original, except where collaboration (for example group work) has been authorised in writing by the course convener in
the course outline and/or Wattle site;
o is produced for the purposes of this assessment task and has not been submitted for assessment in any other context,
except where authorised in writing by the course convener;
o gives appropriate acknowledgement of the ideas, scholarship and intellectual property of others insofar as these have been
used;
o in no part involves copying, cheating, collusion, fabrication, plagiarism or recycling.
In itials
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1 If an extension was granted, list your new (extended) due date. Otherwise list as Not applicable or N/A
Research Plan: Digital Assistance
in University Life Management
Project Background:
Upon entering universities, particularly esteemed institutions such as the Australian National
University (ANU), students encounter a multitude of responsibilities and stressors
encompassing academic research, coursework assignments, social engagements, and personal
life management (Smith, 2019). This multifaceted environment demands a higher degree of
independent handling, resulting in an augmented mental burden. Consequently, there exists a
fervent desire for streamlined approaches to navigate daily affairs, thereby enabling a
concentrated focus on academic pursuits and personal growth.
In response to these challenges, digital technologies emerge as potent allies. Innovative tools
such as time-management applications, learning management systems, and task-tracking
platforms offer tailored solutions that serve as force multipliers for students striving to optimize
their workflows and enhance overall efficiency (Jones, 2017). By leveraging these technological
resources, students can seamlessly arrange and strategize their schedules, resulting in the
liberation of valuable time and cognitive resources, which can then be channeled into more
critical endeavors.
The integration of digital technology into this equation introduces a transformative opportunity
for students to navigate this terrain with heightened efficiency. By judiciously employing these
technological innovations, students can effectively reclaim time, alleviate mental strain, and
ultimately thrive within the intricate tapestry of university life.
Moreover, such efficient adaptation to the demands of university life has the potential to grant
students not only academic success but also the chance to engage more profoundly in personal
growth. This synergy between technological empowerment and holistic development positions
students to embrace their university experience with a proactive and balanced approach,
fostering a journey marked by achievement and enrichment. As students harness the
capabilities of digital tools, they not only refine their organizational skills but also cultivate
digital literacy that's crucial in today's ever-evolving technological landscape.
In this dynamic fusion of academia and digital prowess, students find themselves at the
forefront of a digital revolution that molds their university experience and readies them for a
future where adaptability and digital fluency are essential. Through the seamless integration of
digital technology, students can not only navigate their current challenges with finesse but also
equip themselves for the challenges and opportunities that await beyond the university walls.
Research Objectives:
Major Issues in Students ’University Life Management:
1.1. What are the main challenges and pain points students face in managing their
university life?
1.2. Which aspects of university life management are currently not served by existing
digital tools?
1.3. How do students view the integration of digital tools in daily life, and what
reservations do they have, if any?
Exploration of Digital Tools:
2.1. Which digital tools are students currently using to manage their university life and
what gaps in functionality or usability have they noticed?
2.2. How can these digital tools be better adapted to the specific needs and
challenges of university students?
2.3. Is there an opportunity to integrate various tools into a single, more
comprehensive platform?
Insights and Wishes for the Future:
3.1. How do students envision future digital tools aiding their university life
management?
3.2. Do students believe there are emerging technologies or platforms that could
benefit them in this domain?
Design and Usability:
4.1. Which design elements and features in the digital management tools do students
find most appealing and useful?
4.2. How can we ensure the usability and accessibility of these tools across different
student demographics?
This research aim to delve into students' needs and challenges in university life management.
Our objective is to identify opportunities where digital solutions can offer significant benefits,
ensuring any intervention is user-centered and directly aligned with students' life
experiences.
Research Methods:
Semi-Structured Interviews:
Reason: Offers a chance for in-depth understanding of students' experiences,
challenges, and views on university life management and digital tools. This open-ended
question format can offer considerable flexibility and might lead to unexpected insights.
Application: Interview students from diverse majors, years, and backgrounds to gain a
comprehensive understanding of their needs, focusing on their current life management
methods, interactions with digital tools, and needs and expectations for future tools.
Document Analysis:
Reason: By analyzing current literature, student handbooks, app user guides, or other
relevant materials associated with university life management, we can understand current
management strategies and existing digital solutions, identifying any flaws or gaps.
Application: Gather and assess these documents to pinpoint current best practices,
common issues, and potential opportunities.
Triangulation Explanation: Combining semi-structured interviews and document analysis
allows for validation and enrichment of our research findings from two distinct angles.
Interviews provide in-depth insights from actual users, while document analysis offers a
macro perspective on current trends and challenges. The combination ensures
comprehensive understanding of student needs and the potential of digital tools to meet
these needs.
Participants and Recruitment:
Target Participants: The intended participants for this study encompass university students
from diverse years, majors, and backgrounds. Recognizing that their needs and challenges
may vary according to their stage in university life, the research aims to engage
approximately 15-20 students. This sample size strikes a balance between providing
adequate diversity and ensuring data quality and ease of management.
Location: The research will be conducted at a public and accessible location within ANU,
such as areas outside the library or along the Main Street of Kambri.
Recruitment Methods:
Convenience Sampling: To initiate participation, students will be approached directly
within university public spaces, including classrooms and the library. By engaging in face-to-
face interactions, their interest in taking part in the study will be gauged.
Snowball Sampling: Following initial interviews, inquiries will be made to determine if
participants are aware of other students who might share an interest in the study. By
leveraging their social networks, additional potential participants and their contact
information will be gathered.
Online Outreach: To broaden recruitment efforts, online platforms will be leveraged.
Information about the study will be posted on Facebook and Instagram accounts associated
with the research, encouraging viewers to share the details. Furthermore, the potential of
platforms like WeChat or other popular student-oriented channels will be explored to reach a
wider audience.
By employing a combination of these recruitment methods, it is anticipated that a diverse
and representative group of participants will be assembled. This approach will ensure that the
study's findings encompass a comprehensive range of perspectives and experiences related
to the challenges and solutions faced by university students.
Timeline:
1 - 27 August 2023: Preliminary preparation and recruitment begins.
28 August - 3 September 2023: Schedule and conduct interviews.
4 - 10 September 2023: Data collection and document analysis.
11 - 17 September 2023: Deep data analysis.
18 - 21 September 2023: Write and revise findings report.
22 September 2023: Final submission.
Planned outputs:
The planned outputs of the discovery research will encompass a detailed report summarizing
the key findings, an overview identifying gaps in existing digital tools, and actionable
recommendations based on student feedback and research outcomes. Additionally, key
infographics will be provided for a visual representation of the most salient findings, coupled
with a concise presentation of major insights and suggestions for stakeholders.
Supporting Materials:
Brief Discussion Guide:
Major Issues in Students ’University Life Management:
Describe a typical week in your university life. What are the main tasks or commitments you
need to manage?
What are the main challenges or pain points you face when managing your university
responsibilities and life?
Are there any specific areas of your university life where you feel there isn’t a suitable digital
tool to assist you?
How do you currently feel about incorporating digital tools into your daily university life? Are
there any concerns or reservations you have about this?
Exploration of Digital Tools:
What digital tools or apps do you currently use to help manage your university life?
Can you mention any specific features you love or find lacking in these tools?
In your opinion, how could these digital tools be improved or tailored better to cater to your
specific needs as a university student?
Do you see value in integrating various functionalities from different tools into one unified
platform? Why or why not?
Insights and Wishes for the Future:
Can you envision any specific ways digital tools might assist you better in the future?
Are there any upcoming technologies or platforms you’re excited about, which you think
could benefit your university life management?
Design and Usability:
Thinking about your favorite digital tools, what design elements or features do you find
particularly appealing or helpful?
Considering diverse student groups (e.g., international students, students with disabilities,
etc.), how do you think digital tools can be made more usable and accessible for all?
Wrap Up:
Are there any additional thoughts or perspectives you’d like to share related to university life
management and digital tools?
Thank the participant for their time and insights.
Consent Form:
Research Topic: Digital Assistance in University Life Management
Researcher: [Student Name]
I understand the nature, purpose, and methods of the research I'm participating in and join
voluntarily.
I know I can decide to withdraw from the research at any time without providing a reason.
I understand that all my data will be handled anonymously and will be properly destroyed
after the research concludes.