3D Design BA (Hons)

This module is made up of 3 components that introduce 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 your awareness and sensitivity to the qualities of the world around you.

The Designer introduces you to the complex nature of design processes and the designer’s place within them. This component encourages you from the outset of your studies to develop critical judgement of your own work and the work of others. The component encourages you to understand your role and responsibilities in professional design practice. You will be urged to reflect upon and manage your own learning and development as a design practitioner.

The User introduces the study of ergonomics and human factors and theories of material culture. Lectures and seminars place the use and consumption of designed products in the wider context of contemporary life. You are encouraged to consider things not as objects which are ‘finished’ once they have been manufactured, but as artefacts which go on to form the backdrop and props for everyday life.

Their Technologies is a component that uses lecture and seminar teaching to build your knowledge of a range of manufacturing processes and explores how technology can drive innovative practice. Factory visits; guest speakers and case studies introduce you to the social, environmental and economic complexities of material use.

This module introduces you to the practical and professional skills required of the designer to conceive, develop and realise 3 dimensional products. The content of this module reflects the range of skills a 3d designer requires to effectively work out ideas for themselves, as well as communicating this design process to others. The 4 components of this module: Collaborative practice, Visual Communication, Model Making and Computer Aided Design (C.A.D), combine to furnish you with the experience to use studio culture, workshop discipline and a thoughtful use of technology throughout your design practice. This module embraces the notion that skilled making and good workmanship are not just qualities evident in ‘highly finished’ traditional craft based products, but should be introduced as important employable tools in the iterative process of design development.

In Collaborative practice you will experience the potential of co-operation via group projects and discover the benefits of the studio culture which is synonymous with professional design practice.

Visual Communication is delivered via taught sessions and the setting of projects. It develops the practical skills of drawing and sketching as well as introducing industry-standard graphics software packages essential to the contemporary designer.

Model Making is a studio and workshop based component that introduces a range of materials, processes and techniques and encourages you to make reasoned decisions in the selection of appropriate materials and processes to support any given stage in the design process.

C.A.D. (Computer Aided Design) introduces you to the conventions of technical drawing and teaches students to use the appropriate computer software packages in the preparation of the drawings that are the link between concept and realisation.

This module is designed to develop your ability to creatively answer a brief both as an individual and in team situations within the supporting framework of the year group.

The module is constructed from a series of furniture and product design projects that act as the vehicles for you to learn, select and apply design skills and techniques. The projects encourage you to put the theoretical and practical skills taught on the 3d programme in to practice and provide opportunities to place your learning in a wider professional context. The project briefs explore user centred, technology driven, market led and /or issue based motivations for design practice. You will learn to experiment with a variety techniques for the purposes of research, concept development and communication. You will learn how diverse projects require various blends of practical skills (sketch work, model making and CAD work) as part of a thoughtful design development process. By presenting your work at both interim stages and upon completion you will gain experience of how to effectively communicate both project direction and resolution.

You will be introduced to the use and value of reflective practice so you can begin to take responsibility for your own learning and the evidencing of the module learning outcomes across multiple projects.

Design Cultures provides the tools to help you situate your studio practice in its social, cultural and economic context. It will develop your knowledge of design history in order to expand your visual vocabulary and help you understand how design developed into the global phenomenon it is today. The lecture programme will examine the history of design through a chronological survey of key styles and movements from c.1800 to the present. This will include subjects such as the Arts and Crafts movement, art deco, Egyptomania, modernism, Scandinavian design and postmodernism. Crucially, the module will also encourage you to reflect on the wider social, cultural and economic significance of design. Underpinning the historical survey, sessions will examine critical issues in contemporary life such as consumerism, globalisation, sustainability and gender relations. What, for example, do historical figures such as William Morris contribute to debates about designers’ social and environmental responsibilities in the 21st century? Additionally, the module will help you develop your skills in research, visual and textual analysis, critical thinking, and written and verbal communication, all of which are crucial for academic and professional success.

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.