DE4007 - Industrial Design Foundation

You will adopt a research-based approach to your work, guided by an introduction to basic design research practices. Tutors will facilitate your self-directed research activities. Research will be largely studio/online based. You will learn and develop design skills and techniques in a studio/online, workshop and IT lab environment, working towards solutions to the design brief given. You will both receive and offer constructive feedback to fellow students.

All projects begin with a briefing to explain the context, aims and expectations of the work. Initial project sessions will expand the problem space to identify possible approaches or opportunities for design research and exploration. You will be expected to challenge, explore and experiment throughout and question your designs with your tutors and peers. Technology enabled learning such as specialist facilities including industry standard software and workshops may be available for you to experiment throughout the design process through physical and digital exploration (e.g. soft models and computer aided design).

Ongoing support will be available throughout the module, which include feedback from tutors during studio/online sessions in both formal and informal reviews. You will be given feedback from tutors in scheduled studio/online sessions to help guide your learning. Supporting material will be provided through the eLearning portal.

You will be encouraged and supported to have the confidence to engage in discussion and constructive critique of your own and others work in a safe environment throughout the project.

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:
MK4.1 Understand core design research methods to develop a range of research material, presenting your findings effectively.
MK4.2 Understand common processes and practices that underpin human-centred design.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MI4.1 Apply a range of visual (presentations), physical (model making) and/or digital techniques in pursuit of design solutions.
MI4.2 Identify problems and through design practice develop ideas demonstrating an aesthetic sensibility.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MP4.1 Evaluate your own progress and exercise self-reflection in the resolution of design practice projects.
MP4.2 Demonstrate curiosity about the role of industrial design in the world and in the lives of people.

Part one in semester 1, weighting 50%
Part two in semester 2, weighting 50%
assessment will be a series of assessed projects running throughout the module.

Each assessed project will be introduced with a brief designed to stimulate your learning so that you achieve the learning outcomes for the module. The brief will clearly set out task requirements and identify the criteria against which the work will be marked.

Marks and feedback will be given during timetabled/scheduled sessions to guide your response to the set projects. Feedback will identify strengths and areas for improvement to help you meet the learning outcomes.

You will undergo a mid-point review at the end of semester one, where tutors will review your work created in this module and give you feedback on the strengths that are evident, as well as areas that require improvement.

The module will conclude at the end of the year with a review of the portfolio of work and feedback. This is normally done in an exhibition format/online portfolio so that you can gain an appreciation of the standard of work across the whole cohort in relation to your own work

None

DE4008 - Design History, Theory & Context
DE4009 - Communicating Design

You will be given a series of challenging and interesting design projects aimed at developing basic design skills and awareness. Each project will be introduced with a design brief which sets out the nature of the task and requirements to be met. The range of briefs will be designed to introduce you to different aspects of contemporary industrial design practice and will continually encourage and challenge your design skills and techniques. The briefs will place an emphasis on experimentation and creative exploration with a variety of media and techniques for the purposes of research, concept development and communication. The module will introduce you to the demands of time management, teamwork and will encourage you to develop critical self-awareness of your design practice.