DE3003 - Design Specialisms

Throughout this module you will engage in experiential learning through a series of studio-based design briefs or activities. You will learn on this module through a mix of hands-on workshops, lectures, tutorials, projects and independent study, focused on four key design disciplines: communication, interior, product, and fashion design.

Workshops will provide practical experience, allowing you to experiment with tools, materials, and techniques specific to each discipline. You’ll work on both individually and groups, applying creative problem-solving skills while developing key skills such as sketching, prototyping, and communication. Short lectures will introduce you to the relevant history, principles, and practices of each discipline, giving you a broader understanding of the role and impact of design. Tutorials will offer personalised feedback on your projects, helping you refine your work and improve your skills. Regular feedback will guide your progress and ensure you are meeting learning outcomes. Independent study is crucial to your development, giving you time to research, explore techniques, and reflect on your learning outside of taught classes. Indavidual tutorials will be held with each student to help you make an informed decision about which undergraduate design programme within the School of Design best aligns with your interests and strengths.

The School operates an extended studio approach (X-Studio), combining physical studios, making workshops, and virtual spaces to create a flexible and responsive environment. Each design challenge begins with an introductory lecture outlining themes and learning outcomes, followed by staged interim critiques where you'll receive valuable feedback. Formative assessments will help manage your workload and apply feedback before final assessments.

Learning materials, including module documentation, presentations, and reading lists, are accessible via the eLearning Portal, with additional support available through Skills Plus workshops and Academic Language Skills (ALS) for international students. Module tutors will guide taught sessions and offer consultation hours for further feedback.

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)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Demonstrate a foundational understanding of core design principles and their application across various disciplines.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Independently generate ideas and prototypes that address design challenges.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency and making skills through the appropriate use of materials, processes and technologies.

Personal Values Attributes:
• Show your awareness of the relevance of discipline specific skills and importance of engagement of experiential learning
• Display a commitment to ethical and responsible design, considering the social and environmental impact of design choices.

Formative Assessment:
You will be assessed formatively, using verbal feedback during timetabled sessions at key stages of the design development process.

Formal formative feedback:
Formal formative tutorials and Interim sessions will provide feedback and informally record academic progress.

Summative Assessment:
You will be summatively assessed at the end of the module through the submission of a design development process book and design portfolio, which will include design prototypes and artefacts.

At this summative stage you will receive initial verbal feedback during your presentation, followed up with additional written feedback on your design process book and design portfolio submission.

N/A

Design Studio Skills (DE3001)
Design Contexts (DE3002)
Design Specialisms (DE3003)
Major Design Project (DE3004)
Design Portfolio and Exhibition (

The Introduction to this module provides an opportunity to exploration four important fields of design: communication design, interior design, product design, and fashion design. Through hands on projects, workshops, projects and research, you will engage with the unique principles, tools, and methods used in each discipline. The module is designed to help you develop core design skills such as sketching, digital design, and model making while fostering critical thinking and reflection.

By working individually and in groups, you will assess your strengths and preferences across these fields, allowing you to make an informed decision about which design specialism to pursue at the undergraduate level. This module also emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging you to understand the broader societal and cultural impact of design. Upon completion, you will have gained a strong foundation in design practices, helping you transition smoothly into the next phase of your academic and creative journey.