The module will be driven by a design project for a live client (industry partner). This module will introduce you to the notion of style and form and the importance of understanding consumers needs based on the client’s brief. You will be introduced to the skills needed to research, evaluate and present information. You will learn how style and form can change the perceived quality of a design. The module aims to provide you with an understanding of the relationship which can exist between the creative practice and the commercial environment. Whether this is in relation to external clients and private commissions or developing your own range of design-led products for a contemporary market. You will begin to recognize appropriate methods of manufacture, from the inception of ideas and the translation of these as innovative design solutions for batch or mass production. You will be encouraged to develop your own creative ideas and concepts within the complexities of the commercial realities, gaining knowledge of professional working practices within a designer/maker context. In addition to this you will be encouraged to convey your design solutions professionally to an audience both visually and verbally.
During this module you will be introduced to a range of historical and contemporary ideas, styles and movements in art and design and the contexts in which ideas developed. You will begin to understand how to critically evaluate and contextualise historical and contemporary design issues and debates. Developing skills in order to relate these to your own discipline, including social, cultural, ethical, environmental, economic and political issues and effectively communicate your research-based findings and opinions.

Authentic Live Brief Assessment 75%
Mood/style boards, research boards, market mapping boards, production of an appropriate range of design solutions, clearly communicated on paper via sketch drawing (to include concept generation, development and detail design) and sketch models. Presentation material to include final verbal presentation and/or presentation boards as negotiated with live project partner). Facsimile model and/or range of products. [Learning Outcomes 1-3]

2000-word structured report 25%
[Learning Outcomes 2,4]

Analysing form in a contemporary and historical context.
Experimenting with the representation of form through both manual and computer skills.
Presenting your work in a competent, professional and organised manner.
Working independently in the studio and workshops.
Taking part in individual and group tutorials and seminars.
Engage with business professionals to receive and provide constructive criticism.
Tutorials, individual and group, where you will present your work in progress and receive constructive criticism and feedback.

Development of design concepts, detail design solutions and final design proposals. Investigating materials, processes and technologies relevant to the brief.

Conduct primary and secondary research to identify trends for products, markets and customers to inform your design direction based on the brief.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Communicate information and concepts visually to a competent standard. Present concepts clearly and professionally to external clients/organisations.
University Learning Outcome
Communication

Module Learning Outcome
2. Understand your own creative practice as a designer/ maker within a broader context.
University Learning Outcome
Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome
3. Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to problem solving, develop a range of tests, maquettes and finished design solutions, independently informing your creative strategies.
University Learning Outcome
Problem Solving

Module Learning Outcome
4. Critically evaluate and contextualise historical and contemporary design issues and debates and communicate your research-based findings and opinions.
University Learning Outcome
Reflection

Dedicated Design Studio
Specialist 3D Workshop facilities
Smart Zone – 3D Printing, Laser cutting, VR, 3D Scanning
Clay Modelling studio
CAD Labs
Seminar & Presentation Rooms
Access to relevant software (to include: Alias, Rhino, SolidWorks, Adobe CC, Microsoft Office, Keyshot, Keynote)

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module.

In addition to the suggested reading list below, you should determine your own extended reading list appropriate to your discipline and work. You are expected to take advantage of the extensive physical and digital library resources available within the University.

Your extended reading list should include websites, journals, magazines and newspaper articles, as well as texts relating to your appropriate discipline and the wider creative industries.

Our full course reading list can be found on Blackboard.

Alastair Fuad-Luke. [3 ed. 2009]: The Eco Design Handbook. Thames & Hudson.
De Bono E. [2009]: Lateral Thinking: A Text Book of Creativity. Penguin.
Muranka T. [2012]: Doing a Dyson. Dyson Appliances Ltd.
Wilhide E [2016]: Design: The Whole Story.
Hayden N. [2009]: Consumer Behaviour. Bloomsbury.

N/A

This will be your first taste of a live project – designing for a client from industry, just like in the real world. Working with a client is an excellent way to sharpen your skills in research, design ideation, listening, reasoning and verbal communication. Building relationships in a business context and providing a compelling solution to a client’s brief will make you a more professional and innovative designer. Consequently, you will have the confidence and skillset to work constructively and successfully with a client in future modules.