18 Mei 2026

Summary

This video features Kinantan Kejora from UMN's Visual Communication Design faculty discussing key aspects of final projects (TA) and theses. The conversation highlights the main differences between TAs, which emphasize practical design implementation and prototypes, and theses, which focus on theoretical research. It also covers essential TA requirements, such as minimum guidance sessions, consequences for missing them, mandatory user testing including alpha, beta, and market validation, and the importance of NS (Non-Disclosure Statement) and NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) documents to validate and protect research data. Insights from multiple students provide practical perspectives on these academic procedures.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The main difference between a final project (TA) and a thesis in DKV UMN is that a TA focuses on design implementation and producing a final design output, while a thesis is more research-oriented and theoretical, without producing a design artifact.
• 📝 A TA requires creating, modifying, or innovating a design work, whereas a thesis focuses solely on analyzing a topic and producing a research report.
• 👥 TA outputs often involve practical elements such as user feedback, whereas a thesis is primarily textual and analytical.
• 📅 Students must attend a minimum of 15 guidance sessions per semester for their TA, and failing to meet this can result in extending the TA period or being ineligible for the final defense.
• 🚫 If a student does not meet the required number of guidance sessions, the faculty has the right to not allow them to proceed to the final presentation or defense.
• 🧪 User testing for TA includes two main stages: alpha testing, which is conducted internally among students, and beta testing, which involves direct interaction with the target audience.
• 📊 Market validation is a part of user testing, usually for non-interactive projects, while interactive projects undergo beta testing to gather feedback from real users.
• 📄 NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) is used to protect sensitive information shared between interviewers and participants, while NS (Non-Disclosure Statement) ensures that the research data collected by the student is valid and ethically handled.
• 🔒 Both NDA and NS documents are crucial for maintaining confidentiality and validating research findings, and they serve as formal evidence for ethical handling of data.
• ✅ All results from interviews, observations, and other research activities should be documented in NS or NDA forms to ensure proper validation and ethical compliance.
• 🗂️ TA guidance and testing processes are carefully scheduled with time windows, and additional guidance or specialist consultation may be required depending on the project's nature.

Q & A

What is the main difference between a final project (TA) and a thesis in the DKV program at UMN?

The main difference is that a final project (TA) focuses on practical design implementation and producing a tangible outcome or prototype, whereas a thesis is more research-oriented, focusing on theoretical analysis without necessarily producing a design output.

What are the key criteria that a final project (TA) must meet?

A final project must include a design or prototype outcome, incorporate research on the chosen topic, and demonstrate the process from research to final product, including user feedback.

How does a thesis differ from a final project in terms of research and output?

A thesis emphasizes theoretical research and analysis, producing mainly a written report. It does not involve creating interactive designs or prototypes, unlike a final project.

What is the minimum number of guidance sessions required during a semester for a final project, and what happens if this quota is not met?

Students must attend at least 15 guidance sessions. If this quota is not met, students may have their final project extended, or they may be prohibited from proceeding to the final defense.

What are the types of user testing required for a final project?

There are two main types: alpha tests, conducted with other students to gather initial feedback on the prototype, and beta tests, conducted with the target audience to gain insights and user feedback.

Which types of projects typically undergo market validation or variation testing?

Non-interactive design projects typically undergo market validation, while interactive projects often focus on beta testing with direct user interaction.

What is the purpose of an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) in the context of a final project?

An NDA protects sensitive information shared during interviews or user research, ensuring that data provided by participants is not disclosed publicly.

What is the purpose of an NS (Non-Disclosure Statement) in the context of a final project?

An NS is a statement by the researcher confirming that their research data, including surveys and observations, is valid, ethically collected, and properly authorized for use.

How do NDA and NS documents complement each other in a final project?

The NDA ensures that participants’ data is protected and not shared publicly, while the NS confirms the researcher’s responsibility and transparency in handling the data. Together, they validate the research process and protect sensitive information.

What role does user feedback play in a final project compared to a thesis?

In a final project, user feedback is essential to refine the design and ensure it meets user needs, whereas a thesis relies on theoretical analysis and does not involve direct user testing of design outputs.

Why is scheduling and time management important in conducting user testing for a final project?

Scheduling ensures that alpha and beta tests, as well as market validation sessions, are conducted efficiently within the semester timeline, allowing sufficient time for feedback integration before the final submission.

What happens if a student does not comply with the guidance session requirements before their final defense?

The student may not be allowed to proceed to the final defense, and their final project timeline may need to be extended to meet the required number of sessions.