This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the relationship, which exists between the creative practice and the commercial environment. Within this module you will need to respond to a ‘live brief’, in which you can explore batch and/ or mass manufacture production processes and/ or techniques. These will be related and appropriate to the ‘live brief’ but typically through mass manufacturing processes such as slip casting, metal fabrication, wood forming, 3D clay printing and/ or high-pressure casting. The client-led briefs will offer interesting opportunities for you within the commercial world, whilst your concepts/ ideas should also convey your integrity and awareness of the current design arena. You will begin to establish appropriate methods of manufacture, from the inception of ideas and the translation of these as innovative design solutions for batch or mass production. The products you develop, as prototypes for your client must clearly demonstrate thoughtful, reflective and innovative research, which underpins your ideas.

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. This may include negotiating with clients, suppliers and manufactures in relation to your design(s), materials and/ or the production of work.

You will develop your technical skills further through a range of making processes including those used for batch or mass production. In addition to this you will be encouraged to convey your design solutions professionally to an audience both visually and verbally.

Practical work weighted at 50%
A research file, identifying market trends. A design development sketchbook. Developmental/sketch models exploring appropriate materials.

Facsimile model and/or range of products weighted at 30%

A final verbal presentation/pitch of concept weighted at 20%: (to include final verbal presentation and/or presentation boards as negotiated with live project partner) (typically 5-10 minutes)
The presentation should outline the context of your work including details concerning target market, materials, manufacturing, ergonomics, functionality and form.

[Learning Outcomes 1 - 5]

Lectures and Seminars.
Individual tutorials.
Group Critiques in which you will engage with peers to receive feedback.
Technical instruction and demonstration workshops appropriate to your specialism.
Independent learning both studio and workshop based.
Development of studio skills.
Material exploration and experimentation.
Independent reading and research on new and emerging technologies within your own contemporary design practice.
The design and execution of a range of finished physical prototypes in appropriate materials to fulfil the brief.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Respond coherently and creatively to a design brief within agreed deadlines.
University Learning Outcome
Application

Module Learning Outcome
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role of the designer/ maker within a contemporary context. An awareness of new and emerging technologies within design practice.
University Learning Outcome
Analysis

Module Learning Outcome
3. Critically select, evaluate and innovate for the contemporary market, using appropriate methods of enquiry.
University Learning Outcome
Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome
4. Evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems, and develop a range of tests, models and finished design solutions.
University Learning Outcome
Problem solving

Module Learning Outcome
5. Present concepts clearly to clients and evaluate solutions in relation to the role of the contemporary designer/ maker within the global marketplace.
University Learning Outcome
Communication

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.

Chan, E. (2010) 1000 Product Designs: Form, Function, and Technology from around the world. Rockport Publishers.
Daly, G. (2018) Developing Glazes (The New Ceramics). Herbert Press.
Hallgrimsson, B. (2019) Prototyping and Modelmaking for Product Design (Portfolio Skills). Laurence King Publishing.
Hudson, J. (2018) Process: 50 Product Designs from Concept to Manufacture. Laurence King Publishing. Lawson, S. (2013) Furniture Design: An Introduction to Development, Materials & Manufacturing. Laurence King Publishing.
Lefteri, C. (2003) Ceramics: Materials for Inspirational Design. Rotovision.
Orrom, J (2020) Chair Anatomy: Design and Construction. Thames & Hudson.
Tilley, A. (2002) The Measure of Man and Woman: Human Factors in Design. Wiley.
Thompson, R. (2007) Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals. Thames & Hudson.

Specialist Periodicals in Library:
Crafts Council http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk
Arts Council http://www.artscouncil.org.uk

N/A

The client-led briefs will offer exciting opportunities for you within the commercial world as you work collaboratively with leading global brands. This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the relationship between the creative practice and the commercial environment. Within this module you will respond to a ‘live brief’, in which you can explore batch and/ or mass manufacture production processes appropriate to the brief, such as high-pressure casting, slip casting, metal fabrication, wood forming and 3D clay printing.