You will be given the opportunity and experience of working on an external project, or as prescribed a series of different clients/projects.

This will normally take the form of a live brief, or briefs, with industry and commerce, it may for example be a brief prescribed by a leading ceramic manufacturer or major retailer.

The module aims to encourage the intellectual and creative reasoning of ideas within specific manufacturing and market contexts.

You will be required to assimilate and address those 'external' issues that impact on the creative process, for example, as appropriate, production constraints, technological implications, price points, 'brand awareness' and market demands.

Dialogue with the client is seen as a critical learning strategy.

Assessment 1: Coursework

You are expected to demonstrate an iterative, research-informed design process through sketchbooks, notebooks, maquettes, and a digital portfolio. Work should evidence the development of original ideas in response to the brief, supported by exploration of materials, processes, and techniques.

Evidence of contextual understanding must be included, showing how the work is informed by relevant historical and contemporary practices from ceramics, design, art and other creative disciplines as appropriate.

Final submissions should include resolved ceramic pieces, supported by testing, development work, and clearly articulated conclusions.

Assessment 2: Presentation

You will present your design proposals and outcomes to a professional standard, clearly communicating the rationale, process, and final resolution of their work.

Presentations should demonstrate the ability to articulate decisions, reflect on the development of the work, and situate outcomes within an appropriate contextual and professional framework.

You are expected to respond to questions, demonstrating clarity of communication and depth of understanding.

Formative Assessment: Midway formative feedback will be embedded within practical sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support your development and progression.

The module will include technical introductions in a range of practical supporting areas to ceramic making, guided practice sessions, lectures, 2D visualisation workshops, client visits and one-to-one tutorials in order to provide you with both the opportunity to develop and expand your ceramic practice and hone your communication skills. Dialogue, interpretation and response to feedback from the client is crucial.

1. Define and undertake appropriate research to inform and respond to a client-led ceramic design brief, demonstrating the ability to address complex, real-world constraints.

Application & Problem Solving

2. Develop and realise creative responses to a collaborative, client-led brief, demonstrating critical reasoning and engagement with client feedback throughout the project.

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

3. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of ceramic design within commercial contexts by developing and presenting professional outcomes using appropriate digital and traditional methods.

Knowledge and Understanding
Digital Literacy

4. Communicate design proposals to a professional standard verbally and visually, critically articulating and reflecting on your process, decisions, and outcomes in response to a client brief.

Reflection
Communication

Classroom sessions
Ceramic workshops
3D CAD software
2D CAD software
Student Life https://www.youtube.com/@uniofstaffsstudentlife/videos
University Careers https://staffs.careercentre.me/Members
University Library https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/library
Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant
Specialist Spaces etc.
Smart Zone
CAD Labs
Print Bureau
Betty Smithers Design collection

Ehmann, S. (2008), Fragiles: Porcelain, Glass and Ceramics, Die Gestalten Verlag.

Malpass, M. (2026),.Critical design in context; history, theory, and practices. London Oxford Bloomsbury Publishing UK.

Openshaw, J. (2015), Post-digital Artisans: Craftsmanship with a New Aesthetic in Fashion, Art, Design and Architecture. Frame Publishers.

Walker, S. (1992), Queensbury Hunt; Creativity and Industry, Fourth Estate.

Whiteley, N. (2006), Design for Society, Reaktion Books

Where older texts are included, they are retained as foundational texts within the discipline, remaining relevant where no more recent equivalent texts are available.

Trade periodicals, for example, Tableware International, Elle Decor, World of Interiors, and as appropriate websites and design blogs (examples below) including the clients online presence;

https://www.ceramicreview.com
http://ceramicartlondon.com
https://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk
https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk
https://www.dezeen.com/

What does it take to develop creative work for real clients and industry contexts?

In this module, you will work on live briefs set by external clients, such as ceramic manufacturers or retailers. You’ll develop ideas in response to real-world constraints, including production processes, technology, pricing, branding, and market demands. Through ongoing dialogue with clients, you will refine your work and strengthen your professional approach.

This module prepares you to operate confidently within industry, bridging creative practice with commercial and professional expectations.