DE4006 - Design Projects

The teaching and learning strategy for this module centres around studio and workshop activity. The project briefs that drive the content of the module engage you in all aspects of the design process from research to project completion. You will learn by ‘doing’ research into specific issues that surround design opportunities for example when tackling themes such as designing for longevity and/or using a specific material to design a light. You will learn to recognise the value of exploring a range of materials and techniques in developing creative concepts for peer group critique and studio based feedback You will learn by presenting your design statements to tutors/peers in a variety of formats and reflecting upon this activity and the feedback given.

The range of ‘starting points’ in the projects set will introduce you to the many ways a furniture/ product design problem can be framed, be this for example by tight parameters regarding materials and/or understanding the wants and needs of a particular user group. Studio culture and on-going feedback from peers and tutors are the basis for you learning to manage the complexities of design practice and beginning the journey of developing critical awareness and an aesthetic sensibility in your own practice.

This module is supported by tutors in both studio and workshop settings both within the formally taught timetabled sessions and via the 1:1 tutorials that underpin the work requirements of the project briefs. In addition to the timetabled slots with academic staff the important workshop aspects of the module are supported by dedicated technical staff based in the 3d workshops.

Each project brief has an introductory lecture where the themes of study and learning outcomes are explained. Staged interim critiques guide you and help you to reflect on academic progress.

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 project 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. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

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

Knowledge & Understanding:
? Show a foundational ability to conduct research in a variety of modes, analyse the information and present via sketchbook/ work/ process book/ verbal presentation.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

? Analyse the design process; recognise design issues or problems and identify solutions through creative and practical design solutions 2.
? Demonstrate competent presentation skills and techniques in the execution of portfolio and project presentation.

Personal Value Attributes

? Demonstrate engagement and commitment for your studies as evidenced through your engagement with your tutors and by managing your own learning.

? Evaluate your own progress, exercise self-criticism and analysis in the resolution of your response to set project briefs and the collation of a module portfolio.

The module is made up of multiple furniture and product related design projects that are formatively assessed during the year after the staged submissions. You will be given verbal feedback in 1: 1 tutorials as part of the teaching of the module and a letter grade to indicate the level at which you are currently achieving the MLOs. This provides you with the opportunity to apply the feedback to your existing work and improve your competencies before your final summative assessments.

You will use the projects to create two collated portfolios, which are summatively assessed.

Portfolio 1 (50%) is submitted at the end of semester 1. It addresses all 5 MLOs.

Portfolio 2 (50%) is submitted at the end of semester 2. It address all 5 MLOs.

Summative feedback is given via end-of-semester reviews/tutorials.

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The module is constructed from a series 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.