This week’s session focused on developing a clear research question and identifying achievable objectives for the thesis. We discussed how broad interests need to be refined into focused research topics that can realistically be investigated within the scope of the project. Before the session, we were asked to submit potential research ideas to a Padlet, which provided an opportunity to see the variety of directions people were considering.
For my submission, I proposed researching the use of animation in advertising and creative campaigns, with a focus on experimental techniques such as projection mapping. I am particularly interested in how animation can move beyond traditional screens and be used in physical spaces to create more engaging experiences for audiences. Looking through other students’ ideas was also useful, as it highlighted how differently people were approaching their research and the range of topics that could be explored within animation.
One of the most encouraging parts of the session was receiving feedback from Nigel, who felt that my topic was viable and could work as a thesis project. Although the idea still needs to be refined into a more specific research question, the feedback gave me confidence that I am moving in a promising direction. It also made me realise that defining a research question is not about finding the perfect topic immediately, but about gradually narrowing down an area of interest into something focused and achievable.