This module focuses on designing for production within professional and contemporary contexts. You will explore how creative practice operates within the constraints of manufacture, market expectations and contemporary design practice. Through studio-based project work, you will develop a sophisticated and personal approach to design that reflects your creative voice while responding to practical production considerations. The module supports your transition towards professional practice by encouraging independence, critical reflection and an awareness of future career aspirations.

During this module, you will:

- Develop creative concepts with a clear focus on production, considering style, form, function and perceived quality in relation to consumer and market needs
- Explore the relationship between creative practice and manufacturing
- Identify and apply appropriate methods of manufacture, translating design ideas into innovative solutions suitable for batch or mass production
- Develop an understanding of professional working practices within a designer or maker context, including awareness of materials, processes, costs and production considerations
- Refine skills in visual, verbal and written communication in order to present design solutions clearly and professionally
- Work independently and proactively, demonstrating focus, motivation and a commitment to ongoing learning
- Engage in individual and group tutorials, presenting work in progress, responding to feedback and using reflection and evaluation to inform the development of a coherent and resolved body of work
- Reflect on your creative project outcomes

Assessment 1: Creative Project

Creative portfolio of project work and professional development. Typically including:

Design and development sketch work
Sketch models and prototypes
Material samples and experimentation
CAD Model/s as appropriate
Presentation material

Assessment 2: Reflection

A reflective commentary that critically reflects on your personal and professional development and project development.

This can be submitted as:
Option 1: Written reflection with supporting visuals – word count 1800
Option 2: Audio recording with image folder – 6-8 mins Option
3: Video reflection with supporting visuals – 6-8 mins

Formative Assessment:

Midway formative feedback will be embedded within practical sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support student development and progression.

On this module, typical learning and teaching activities will include:

- Develop design concepts and production-ready proposals through hands-on studio and workshop practice, experimenting with materials, processes, and technologies.
- Explore and represent form using both manual techniques and digital tools, including 2D and 3D CAD.
- Conduct primary and secondary research into trends, materials, users, and markets to inform your design decisions.
- Take responsibility for managing your own project work, solving design problems, and developing ideas within production constraints.
- Participate in individual and group tutorials, presenting work in progress, engaging in discussion, and responding constructively to feedback.
- Refine your ability to communicate design solutions visually, verbally, and in writing to a professional standard

1. Apply knowledge and skills to produce a creative project that responds to contemporary issues within Product, Furniture, Ceramics.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Solve discipline-specific problems using evidence-based approaches.

Application & Problem Solving

3. Apply digital tools to support professional-standard creative workflows in Product, Furniture, Ceramics.

Digital Literacy

4. Reflect critically on your development as an emerging professional in Product, Furniture, Ceramics.

Reflection

- Student Life: https://www.youtube.com/@uniofstaffsstudentlife/videos
- University Careers: https://staffs.careercentre.me/Members
- University Library: https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/library
- Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant
- Specialist Spaces and Workshops
- Smart Zone
- CAD Labs
- Print Bureau
- Betty Smithers Design collection

Chan, E. (2010) 1000 product designs: Form, function, and technology from around the world. Beverly, MA: Rockport Publishers.

Hallgrimsson, B. (2019) Prototyping and modelmaking for product design. London: Laurence King Publishing.

Hudson, J. (2018) Process: 50 product designs from concept to manufacture. London: Laurence King Publishing.

Lawson, S. (2013) Furniture design: An introduction to development, materials & manufacturing. London: Laurence King Publishing.

Orrom, J. (2020) Chair anatomy: Design and construction. London: Thames & Hudson.

Where older texts are included, they are retained as foundational texts within the discipline, remaining relevant where no more recent equivalent texts are available.

This module develops your understanding of designing for production within professional and commercial contexts. You will explore how creative ideas are translated into resolved outcomes for product, furniture and ceramics, responding to manufacturing processes, materials and market expectations. Through studio-Based project work, you will consider style, form, function and perceived quality while refining your research, communication and reflective skills.