This module aims to develop your skills and knowledge to help develop an understanding of engineering processes, materials, and design methods that you can build upon and utilise for the remainder of your studies.

There are a number of aspects to the module:

Research: Understand and be able to utilise a range of resources including appropriate websites, the University Library, Google Scholar, and other tools to search for and locate material to support design project. Become a critical thinker by appraising a range existing products to support the design process. Research existing products and analyse their construction, function, and form.

Development and Communication of ideas: Develop and present concept ideas through freehand sketching to meet market/user requirements and Health and Safety considerations. This will include Isometric and Orthographic projection techniques. Annotation and iterative design towards a chosen solution using a concept selection strategy.

3D Parametric modelling: Translating design concepts using an appropriate 3D CAD software using a range of modelling features to take concepts to the next stage. Produce engineering drawings (BS 8888:2020 or similar) and renderings to communicate dimensional, geometrical, and surface finish.

Preparation for Manufacture: Prepare data for Production and understand the process of fabricating and realising your final modelled design using appropriate equipment.

A 4000 words individual portfolio weighted at 100% to cover research, analysis and design for the set brief, assessing learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes F2, F5, F17.

(Wordcount may be offset by design elements and design work i.e. CAD.)

You will work through the module and work towards addressing the set design brief. You will have the opportunity to understand the advantages of design processes, research, analyse and develop potential design solutions that can be modelled on CAD software and potentially 3D printed. You will document the stages of the design process in a portfolio and include Renders and Orthographic drawings with dimensions. Formative feedback will be given throughout and summative feedback on the portfolio of work to be submitted at the end of the module.

Demonstrate design research and concept development considering stakeholder needs and Industry Standards (AHEP 4: F2, F5, F17)

Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding

Use a range of visual and written presentation techniques. (AHEP 4: F17)

Application, Problem solving

Demonstrate the use of Computer Aided Design to present design solutions.

(AHEP 4: F17)

Communication, Enquiry

Blackboard VLE Resources, Library facilities, Google Scholar

Office 365, Computer Aided Design Software i.e. Autodesk Fusion360/Inventor/AutoCAD

SmartZone: Additive manufacturing facilities

You will be expected to engage with a range of reading, which should include texts, journals, websites that are pertinent to the learning outcomes and the issues or areas that form the focus of the module. Indicative texts:

Cottrell, S. (2019) The Study Skills Handbook, 5th Edition, Hampshire: Palgrave Study Guides. ISBN: 9781137610898

Eissen, K. & Steur, R. (2011) Sketching: the basics, BIS Publishers.

Land, K. M. (2023) Improving CAD Designs with Autodesk Fusion 360: A Project-Based Guide to Modelling Effective Parametric Designs. Packt Publishing, Limited. ISBN:9781800564497

Lefteri, C. (2019) Making It: Manufacturing Technologies for Product Design, 3rd Ed., Laurence King. ISBN: ¿9781786273277

Ulrich, K.T. and Eppinger, S.D. (2016) Product Design and Development. 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN: 9780078029066

Young, T.M. (2021) Technical Writing A-Z: A Commonsense Guide to Engineering Reports and Theses, British English 2nd Edn. Pub: American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ISBN: 9780791884621

This module will enable you to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities. It will including formal lectures and tutorials where software demonstrations and practical exercises will be undertaken. Regular formative feedback for teams as the project work progresses will be provided.