?Landmarks Of Twentieth-century Design: An Illustrated Handbook? Hiesinger & Marcus. Abbeville Press (1993). ISBN: 0756774616.
?Design: History, Theory and Practice of Product Design? B.Burdek (2004) Birkhauser Press. ISBN: 3764370297.
?Design Secrets: Products: 50 Real-Life Projects Uncovered (Design Secrets)? ISDA (2003) Rockport Pub ISBN: 1564964760
?A History of Modern Design: Graphics and Products Since the Industrial Revolution? D. Raizman (2004) Laurence King Publishing ISBN: 1856693481

Coursework consisting of two parts:-

Part A is a research based exercise (the evolution of a product, design trend, famous design idividual or group etc.) providing proof of achievement of assessing learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3. Students will be expected to develop a short presentation of key points. Equivalent to 2000 words.

Part B is research based leading to a design exercise. Students will work in groups to collectively analyse and propose possible improvement modifications to an existing product or group of products. Students will provide proof of achievement of assessment learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3. Students will be expected to develop a short presentation of key points. There will be a peer assessment element. Equivalent to 1000 words.

Historical development of 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. Injection moulding, ABS.
The user of particular products, their needs and aspirations. Fashion?
Success or failure of a product. Form Follows Function ? It may look good, but, does it work?
Testing and marketing against other products. Unique Selling Points.
The evolution of a consumer product over a period of time. Technological advancements, what next?

The material will be introduced through a series of lectures to cover historical and current design issues (1 hour per week 1:n)
Tutorials (2 hours per week 1:20) will allow students to research, analyse and critically evaluate products as individuals and within small groups.

PC projection (interactive whiteboard)
www.designmuseum.org www.design-council.org.uk

None