This module will introduce you to and develop your understanding of the practice of Trend Forecasting for the Design Industries. You will study the initial conceptualisation of trends and investigate the work of colour and trend forecasting agencies within appropriate context and timeframes. Agencies such as the ICA (International Colour Authority), Color Marketing Group, Peclers, Promostyl and WGSN collect, collate and distil world-wide trend intelligence across colours, surface, shapes, patterns, structures, shades, textures etc. into valuable information available to purchase by companies across the design spectrum. Global trade fairs such as imm cologne, Premiere Vision, Pitti Filati, Texworld and Home also allow prospective knowledge and product purchasers to access innovations and predictions for differing products, information and services. Various elements of trend forecasting will be introduced, including:

Trend Forecasting Theory
Diffusion of Innovation
Drivers of Change and Environmental Analysis
Influencing Trends
Resource Location and Analysis
Supply Chain
Agencies and Trade fairs
Professional Presentations

Within the module, you will also develop your skills in visual literacy and visual analysis. The generation of ideas, communication of your thought processes and research skills, and development and critical analysis of decisions you make will all be documented and comprehensively communicated throughout the formative and summative assessment opportunities, to aid you in effectively and creatively communicating Trend Forecasting intelligence to colleagues, non-specialists and the wider industry audience.

A portfolio of work, weighted at 100% (Learning Outcomes 1-4)

You will present for assessment a portfolio of completed coursework, as will be outlined in the Module Information pack.

The portfolio may typically include (but will not be limited to):
Design / Creative Development materials
Professional Presentation boards
An online personal trend resource (e.g. an e-blog and interest board, or a website) that you have developed
A critically reflective report on your approach to and execution of the module

Students will be required to submit 10 pages from their reflective design journal to provide evidence of developmental work. This is weighted 0% but is an essential requirement of the final submission

Key Information Set:
100% coursework

VLS
Tutorial staff
Library services
Athens
Comp Shops (where self-organised)
Trend Forecasting sites and agencies
Inspirational Directional Shopping visits (where self-organised)
www.lynda.com

Blakeley, A. (2012). Fashion Forecasting: Understanding the Process. Cologne: Lambert Academic Publishing
Diane, T. & Cassidy, T. (2005). Colour Forecasting. Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons
Raymond, M. (2010). The Trend Forecaster's Handbook. London: Laurence King

The main focus will be on delivery through distance learning, which will be supported with a comprehensive instructional course handbook. The VLS will deliver knowledge and examples of best practice, that you will be expected to investigate and build on to develop a considered professional standard response through the various assignment briefs that you are asked to complete for the portfolio assessment. Email and telephone support will be available as necessary through the online VLS, individual and group tutorials, online forums and bulletin boards.

Key Information Set:
10% scheduled learning and teaching activities
90% guided independent study