Module Descriptors
MAJOR PROJECT
PROD60092
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 6
60 credits
Contact
Leader: Daniel Lewis
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 180
Independent Study Hours: 420
Total Learning Hours: 600
Pattern of Delivery
  • Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 1 to UG Semester 2
Sites
  • Stoke Campus
Assessment
  • Coursework weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Assessment Details
The production of a substantial body of conclusive design work containing:
Primary and secondary research file
Design brief and specification
Professional detailed time management plan
Concept generation
Design development through Sketching, Sketch models and ergonomic rigs
Facsimile model
Presentation board/s
Final presentation/pitch of concept including details concerning target market, materials, manufacturing, ergonomics, functionality and form.
Promotional or explanatory video
Feedback Diary


A single assessment grade will result, the panel having taken a holistic view of your achievements.

The assessment panel will comprise of at least two tutors from the course area. This will normally last 30 minutes including the student's presentation of their project[s] and any questions.
[Learning Outcomes 1-9]

Key Information Set Data:
100% coursework
Module Learning Strategies
Development of an appropriate programme of work (in conjunction with staff) that demonstrates practical design and development and encompasses topics such as problem solving, analysis, defining objectives, research, design evaluation and determining media and production methods. Negotiations should ensure that the programme can be resourced and will meet the learning outcomes of the module.

Project planning, using Gantt charts and other time organisational methods to manage the project from research to completion.

Development of design concepts, detail design solutions and final design proposals. Investigating materials, processes and technologies relevant to the negotiated brief and making these evident through visual and verbal communication methods throughout the project.

Key Information Set Data:
30% scheduled learning and teaching activities
70% guided independent learning
Module Texts
Essential texts:
You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities (including electronic) available within the University, keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of leading companies and designers.
Baxter. M (2002) Product Design - Practical methods for the systematic development of new products (Nelson Thornes)
Kemnitzer, R (1983) Rendering with Markers: Definitive Techniques for Designers, Illustrators and Architects (Watson-Guptill)
Powell, D (1990) Presentation Techniques (Little Brown)

Recommended texts
A wide range of books, subject-specific journals, other related journal and newspaper articles, as well as texts relating to the design process and promotion of design in a field relevant to your specific course of study should be employed, by negotiation with your tutor.

Briffa (2004) Design Law (Law Society)
Coleman R (Ed) (1997) Working Together: A New Approach to design RCA
Cooper R & Press M (1995) The Design Agenda (Whiley)
Cooper R & Press M (2003) The Design Experience: The Role of Design and Designers in the 21st Century (Ashgate)
Lydiate L (1992) Professional Practice in Design Consultancy, Design Council OUT OF PRINT (available in library)
Margolin V & Buchanan R (1995) The Idea of Design, MIT Press
Muranka T (1996) Doing a Dyson, Dyson Appliances Ltd
Trudeau, N (1995) Professional Modelmaking: a handbook, Whitney Library of Design OUT OF PRINT (available in library)

Journals:
Wallpaper, Design Week, Abitare, Auto & Design, Blueprint, Domus, Form, I.D. (USA), Design, Car Styling
Module Resources
Access to Product & Transport Design studio (K21)
Seminar room (K21A)
Conference Rooms (K21A & K27)
CAD Suite (K25A)
Presentation room (K25C)
Clay Modeling Workshops (K25B)(K25D)
3D & CAD Workshops (Wood, Metal, Plastic & Resin)

Access to relevant software (to include: Alias, SolidWorks, Adobe CC, Microsoft Office, Keyshot, iMovie, Keynote)

Thompson Library, including access to Lynda.com for online learning tutorials and Mintel (Library portal)

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.
Module Learning Outcomes
1. UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF RELATED DISCIPLINES INCLUDING CULTURAL, MANUFACTURING, COSTING, MARKETING AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
Knowledge & Understanding

2. SELECT AND EMPLOY A RANGE OF APPROPRIATE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES AND THE ABILITY TO APPLY THE KNOWLEDGE GAINED IN THE PURSUIT OF A SUCCESSFUL SELF-INITIATED PROJECT
Enquiry
Learning

3. REFLECT UPON PROJECT MANAGEMENT, DESIGN DECISIONS, PROJECT PROGRESS AND EXTERNAL INPUT, CULMINATING IN REASONED, JUSTIFIABLE PROJECT OUTCOMES OR CLEARLY DEFINED PROJECT MILESTONES
Reflection

4. CRITICALLY ANALYSE AND IDENTIFY THE TARGET MARKET AND PRODUCE A COHESIVE AND REASONED DESIGN BRIEF AND DESIGN SPECIFICATION
Analysis

5. IDENTIFY PROBLEMS, AND USE DESIGN METHODS TO APPLY THE MOST APPROPRIATE SOLUTION Problem Solving

6. DEMONSTRATE APPLICATION OF DESIGN, TECHNICAL SKILLS, PROCESSES AND METHODOLOGIES ATTAINED AND DEVELOPED WITHIN PREVIOUS MODULES / PRIOR LEARNING TO A PROFESSIONAL / INDUSTRY STANDARD
Application

7. COMMUNICATE PROJECT OBJECTIVES, INTENDED USERS, MARKETS, DESIGN CONCEPTS, DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES, MATERIALS AND PROCESSES VIA APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION AND VISUAL MEDIA. PRESENTATION FORMATS AND CONTENT TO BE REPRESENTATIVE OF STANDARDS MAINTAINED WITHIN CONTEMPORARY DESIGN PRACTICES, TO INCLUDE THE COMMUNICATION OF ACCUMULATED PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
Communication

8. ANALYSE AND/OR EMPLOY VISUAL ELEMENTS INTELLIGENTLY, APPROPRIATELY AND CREATIVELY IN RELATION TO THE IDEAS AND CONCEPTS DEVELOPED THROUGHOUT THE MODULE / DESIGNATED AREA OF STUDY
Visual Analysis

9. EFFECTIVELY MANAGE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER PEOPLE, ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY AND RECOGNISE INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES, SO THAT INDIVIDUAL OR COMMON GOALS CAN BE ACHIEVED
Working With Others

Module Indicative Content
This module is designed to enable you to attain professional levels of competence in design by analysing problems, researching information, developing strategies, generating ideas and developing designs to industry level, all of which are intellectually challenging and demanding.

You are expected to carry out and substantially complete the research for the design phase of your Major Project. You will devise an individual brief that demonstrates and exploits the knowledge and experience you have gained in your previous studies, and is approved following discussions between yourself and your supervising tutor and occasionally with the external examiner. You will then put this plan into action, generating concepts, developing the strongest design and presenting the final result in a professional manner.

You are expected to demonstrate high levels of project management and self-organisational skills. Manufacturing, technical and costing issues must be considered and demonstrated.

Specific briefs and content targeted at either Product Design, or Transport Design are part of this module. Specific live industry clients for each pathway allow you to explore concept generation in a relevant and targeted way.