All elements are required. Coursework will consist of :
- Written reports, 1000-1500 words (LO 1 & 2) 30%

Visual work 70% including:-
Presentation boards (LO 1, 2 3)
- Developmental sketches
- Technical Drawings / Visuals (LO 1, 2, 3)

Within this Module students will study the development of the retail experience. Beginning with an overview of the history of shopping from the establishment of trade routes to the present day, the Module also traces the impact that shopping has had, and continues to have, on social structures within society. The evolution of contemporary shopping is focused on the understanding of customers' lifestyles and the Module analyses the methods that retailers use to develop a relationship with their customers ranging from markets to city centre shops to out of town shopping centres and malls. The Module concludes with a study of retail sectors, examples of best practice and innovation, and the impact that shopping has had within architecture and interior design. It focuses on the dramatic changes in retail design and the need for design to underpin the customer experience.

At a formative assessment stage, students will produce a simple visual of a retail space using a computer aided drawing programme in order to develop basic skills in CAD. Summative assessment will include a report to compare and contrast customer experiences in different retail environments. Students will then research and design the layout for a small retail space focussing on the customer experience within this space. Developmental sketches and presentation boards will lead to a final plan which will reflect the brand outlined in the brief. A rationale will explain what customer experience the plan seeks to produce.

Delivery is by distance learning with a comprehensive resource handbook on the VLE and available to download, examples of best practice, project templates and email and telephone support being available through our online VLE, individual tutorials and student forum. Specialist knowledge will be delivered by a diverse team of staff and visiting guest lecturers with a variety of relevant backgrounds and experience.

Curtis, E., Watson, H., Sephton, E. (2007). Fashion Retail (Interior Angles). Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons
Dean, C. A. (2005). Inspired Retail Space: Attract customers, build branding, increase volume. Minneapolis: Rockport Publishing
Schittich, C. (2008). In Detail: Interior surfaces and materials. Basel: Birkhauser
Schittich, C. (2004). In Detail: Interior spaces. Basel: Birkhauser
Shaw, C. (2010). Customer Experience: Future Trends & Insights. Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke

Range of resources located on the VLS
Tutorial Staff
Library Services
CAD Software