DE4005 - Design Methods: The Lab, the Studio and the Workshop

The teaching and learning strategy for this module embraces the value of ‘learning by doing’. By the very nature of the subject matter and the skills taught, the experience of the module is hands on. You will be introduced to Studio and workshop activities to develop a knowledge of industry standard and professional practices. ‘Hands-on’ participation during timetabled sessions gives you the opportunity to acquire technical skills and use materials and processes in both the identification and solving of problems. Computer Lab and workshop based demonstrations of practical skills and the setting of in class tasks will underpin your learning.

Formative assessment based on project work will provide the basis for competence development and provide the feedback reflected upon and utilised for the presentation of a module portfolio for summative assessment.

Working in groups, you develop your personal value attributes by learning to work effectively with others in multi-cultural teams, to have an awareness of ethical/responsible considerations in your practice and to develop the ability to be flexible and collaborative.

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.
In addition to the timetabled slots with academic staff the workshop aspects of the module are supported by dedicated technical staff based in the 3d workshops.
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; software skills and techniques; traditional media experimentation; photographic practice; practical skills-based learning.

The module has a specific virtual learning environment (eLearning Portal) which acts as resource where you can access all the relevant documentation including module briefs and guides, lecture notes, presentations and assessment requirements. The digital submission of aspects of Visual communication and CAD work for tutorial guidance and formative assessment allows for expedient communication and the effective review of work whilst also utilising industry standard practices.

The formal formative assessment points in the module promote personal responsibility in managing your workload. This also provides you with the opportunity to apply feedback and improve your competencies before your final summative assessment.

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:

? Evidence your elementary knowledge of materials, methodologies, processes and standards through workshop and studio activity.
? Understand appropriate health and safety regulations and procedures through in the workshop induction and competence building process.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

? Evidence your independent judgement in your ability to generate and explore ideas in 2 and 3 dimensions.
? Evidence ability to effectively use visual communication techniques/ technical drawing in the realisation of design proposal and solutions.

Personal Value Attributes

? Demonstrate elementary employability skills including; meeting obligations to others (staff; peers; colleagues), planning and organisational skills, problem solving through engagement in group projects.

Collaborative Practice is made up of projects completed during semester 1 and 2. The projects provide opportunities for formative feedback via group tutorials.

Visual communication consists of exercises and assignments throughout semesters 1 and 2. These activities are formatively assessed as part of the teaching of the module

Model making is constructed of studio and workshop exercises and projects of increasing complexity throughout semester 1 and 2. Formative assessment is made via tutorials.

The assignments and exercises that make up the lab-based component, C.A.D., are formatively assessed during the course of semester 1 and 2 with formative feedback given in tutorials.

Summative assessment of the module is via the submission of two portfolios.

Portfolio 1 (50%) is submitted at the end of semester 1. It will include work from all of the above areas of practice and addresses all 5 MLOs.

Portfolio 2 (50%) is submitted at the end of semester 1. It will include work from all of the above areas of practice and addresses all 5 MLOs.

Feedback is given at given via tutorial review at the end of each semester.

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This module introduces you to the practical and professional skills required of the designer to conceive, develop and realise 3 dimensional products. Content 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.