DE4004 - Design Theory: The Designer, The User and their Technologies

The teaching and learning strategy for this module is to combine tutor-led lecture and seminar based learning with group work, debate and field-work. The component assignments will draw upon the research methodologies and analysis skills introduced and practiced in the formally taught sessions. Assignments will be supported by individual and group tutorials.

The three components of this module combine to form a rich backdrop against which you can begin to understand the both the principles and theories of 3d design practice. The Designer component takes an overview of design practice (and of the other two components within this module) and asks you to investigate and consider issues effecting how the practitioner engages with and reflects upon both the production and consumption of goods for use in the wider world.

Small group and individual tutorials encourage active participation and dialogue around your own enquiry, as well as providing an opportunity to discuss and clarify learning and assessment.

This module is supported by specialist component tutors both within the formally taught timetabled sessions and via the tutorials that underpin the work requirements of each component. Module contact time provides the opportunity for you to receive on-going tutor and peer feedback and to use the views of others in the development or enhancement of your work. This is also an opportunity to clarify issues and discuss assessment criteria.

Tutor Guided Independent Learning/Student Independent Learning will help you start to make constructive use of feedback received in class, and to take responsibility to direct your own learning needs. Such learning may include a range of activities such as contextual reading.
The module has a specific virtual learning environment (eLearning Portal (eLP)) which acts as resource where you can access all the relevant documentation including module briefs and guides, lecture notes, presentations and assessment requirements. The eLP also provides access to Turnitin® for electronic submission of written assignments.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

? Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of design research methodologies through investigations of the world around you.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

? Identify, review and discuss design related issues or topics in a scholarly manner as evidenced through your response to a contextual studies question.
? Evidence awareness of writing styles, structure and content through written work.

Personal Value attributes

? Evidence your communication skills in project work through one or more of the following channels; written, visual, oral.

In The Designer you will be summatively assessed via the delivery of a presentation (semester 1, 10%) and the submission of a written assignment (semester 2, 30%). KU2, PVA4. The component represents 40%.

In The User you will be summatively assessed via the submission of 2 written assignments (semester 1, 20%, semester 2, 20%). IPSA 1, PVA 4. The component represents 40%.

In Their Technologies you will be summatively assessed via the submission of a written assignment (semester 1, 20%). IPSA 1, PVA 4. The component represents 20%.


Feedback is written upon completion of each assignment and supported by an end year tutorial reviewing the module.

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This module is made up of 3 components 1. The Designer, 2. The User and 3. Their Technologies . The module introduces students to the theories and principles that underpin the conception, manufacture and use of man-made objects. By studying the role of the designer, understanding the role of the end-user and the technologies that contribute to the making and use of artefacts the intention is to increase the students’ awareness and sensitivity to the qualities of the world around them.