This module introduces historical and current product and systems design, which will be analysed evaluated to gain an insight into design principles, manufacturing processes, aesthetics, materials used and how the end user is considered.

Historical development: Consumer products from the 20th century such as vacuum cleaners, portable music players or mobile telephones.
Design: Schools, Design groups, individuals and brands. Bauhaus, Dyson, Sony.
Evaluating: Products through deconstruction. Taking products apart and understanding why components have been used or placed in a particular layout.
Manufacturing: processes and materials. The end user of products, their needs & aspirations.
Success or failure: Product or Engineering Design. Form Follows Function? It may look good, but, does it work? Structural Failure analysis.
Evolution: Consumer products over time. Technological advancements.

During this module, you will gain understanding of historical development of consumer products, how they evolved and whether they succeeded. You will analyse, evaluate successes and failures with a focus on engineering materials, processes and technologies, how they can through design and satisfy needs. Experiential learning through physical products and industry visits will support the development of knowledge and understanding.

Braungart M. (2009) Cradle to Cradle. Remaking the Way We Make Things (Patterns of the Planet), Vintage Pub

Heller S (2008)Design Disasters: Great designers, fabulous failures, and lessons learned. Allworth Press.

Klemp K (Author, Editor), Ueki-Polet K (Editor) (2015) Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams. Die Gestalten Verlag
Manzini E, Coad R (2015) Design, When Everybody Designs: An Introduction to Design for Social Innovation (Design Thinking, Design Theory). MIT Press

Norman D (2013) The Design of Everyday Things, revised and expanded edition. MIT Press.

Sudjic D (2015) Sony Design: Making Modernity. Rizzoli International Publications.

The module tutor will direct the student to current journals and online resources as appropriate

Flat teaching classroom
Projection equipment
Visit to appropriate museum either local or further afield

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the development of designs, styles or trends as expected by employers in the design sector. (AHEP 3: ET2, D1i)

2. Show a clear understanding of appropriate research methodologies in an investigation into the development of consumer products. (AHEP 3: G1)

3. Reflect upon a specific product to analyse and evaluate it’s impact on society through
a narrative of materials and manufacturing processes. (AHEP 3: D1i, SM1i)

A 3000 word research based exercise to include technical design aspects, with social and ethical considerations reflected upon. Assessing learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3. Design work may be offset against word count. (100% covering all learning outcomes). Meeting AHEP 3 Outcomes ET2, D1i, SM1i, G1.

Formative guidance and feedback will be provided in tutorial sessions within the class