This module focuses on People, Place and Society (PPS), three key factors that influence design and our lives. Following a series of seminars, you will carry out primary research into an area relevant to your discipline. You will generate a shortlist of potential areas to investigate before discussing these with the course group and academic staff. You will also learn about the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) and Corporate Social Responsibility, relevant to creatives working independently, in small companies, or large multi-nationals.

After selecting relevant research methodologies, you will investigate your chosen topic, speaking to industry professionals, academics and consumers.

The analysis of primary and secondary research will allow you to build a picture of your research topic before structuring a report that develops your knowledge and understanding.

The completion of the assignment is intended to assist in the development of your research, analysis and communication skills, which will be valuable to your future employability.

5000 word illustrated Structured Written Report weighted at 100%

[Learning Outcomes 1-4]

A programme of seminars exploring relevant design topics.
Flipped classroom teaching and learning.
Library and database research.
Desk based research.
Individual and group tutorials.
Independent working.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Identify and develop a research project relevant to your professional discipline, and demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects, detailed knowledge, some of which is at the forefront of a discipline.
University Learning Outcome
Knowledge and Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
2. Select and employ a range of appropriate research methodologies to gather primary and secondary research, supporting your project.
University Learning Outcome
Learning

Module Learning Outcome
3. Analyse research material, comparing how your primary research sits amongst existing research, critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data.
University Learning Outcome
Analysis

Module Learning Outcome
4. Present your findings in an effective and academically appropriate manner to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
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.

Dalcacio, R. and Wiedemann, J. (2010) Product Design In The Sustainable Era. Germany: Taschen.
Walker, S. (2012) Sustainable by Design: Explorations in Theory and Practice. UK: Routledge.
Whitely, N. (1994) Design for Society, Reaktion Books, Whiteley, N. UK: Reaktion,
Lewis, H. and Gertsakis, J. (2001) Design and Environment: A Global Guide to Designing Greener Goods. UK: Routledge.
Chapman, J. (2015) Emotionally Durable Design: Objects, Experiences and Empathy. UK: Routledge.
Dunne, A. (2014) Speculative Everything: Design, Fiction, and Social Dreaming. USA: MIT.
Norman, D. (2005) Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things. USA: Basic Books. Bolyston, S. (2019) Designing with Society: A Capabilities Approach to Design, Systems Thinking and Social Innovation. UK: Routledge.
Moe, K. (2021) Building Systems: Design Technology and Society. UK: Routledge.
Paulsson, A. (2020) Shaping Smart Mobility Futures: Governance and Policy Instruments in times of Sustainability Transitions. UK: Emerald Publishing.
Ayodele, T. (2019) The Future of Electric Vehicles: A Sustainable Solution. Unknown: Independently published.
Booth, A. Sutton, A. and Papaioannou, D. (2016) Systematic Approaches To A Successful Literature Review. London: Sage Publications.
Cottrell, S. (2019) The Study Skills Handbook. UK: Red Globe Press.
Denscombe, M. (2014) The Good research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects.(5th ed). UK: Open University Press.

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People, Place & Society (PPS) examines the changing landscape of the way we live, reflecting on how this affects the objects we interact with. You will learn about a range of key contextual issues before selecting a research topic relevant to your professional discipline. The module develops key research and communication skills for your future career and professional life.