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Gordon, Sarah R. (2025) From design to dialogue: a design-informed study on the experiences of Black undergraduates in Higher Education. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

This exploratory study employs design-based research methods to examine the experiences of Black undergraduate students in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). Through creative journals, participatory workshops, and expert consultation, the research investigates how design methodologies can amplify student voices and generate actionable insights for institutional change.

Seven Black undergraduate students participated in the initial phase through creative journals and interactive workshops. Their experiences informed the development of emotive design scenarios, which were then evaluated by ten EDI experts from UK universities. The study utilised remote participation methods, adapting traditional design approaches for digital engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key findings reveal persistent challenges in three areas: institutional barriers to accessing support, the disconnect between EDI rhetoric and implementation, and the impact of cultural isolation on student wellbeing. The research demonstrates how design-based approaches can generate rich insights into Black student experiences while providing novel tools for institutional dialogue and change.

This study contributes to the field through its innovative application of design methodologies to EDI research in higher education. The findings offer practical recommendations for enhancing Black student support services and developing more inclusive institutional practices. Future research directions include longitudinal applications of design-based methods and exploration of hybrid approaches to participatory engagement in EDI work.

Item Type:	Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors:	Crawford, Paul Ito-Jaeger, Sachiyo Perez Vallejo, Elvira
Keywords:	Black students, higher education, design research, EDI, student experience, participatory design
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher education
Faculties/Schools:	UK Campuses > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
Item ID:	82307
Depositing User:	Gordon, Sarah
Date Deposited:	31 Dec 2025 04:40
Last Modified:	31 Dec 2025 04:40
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/82307

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