This module requires you to consolidate the knowledge and skills acquired during levels 4 and 5 to attain professional levels 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 will carry out and complete the research for the design phase of your Major Project. You will devise a negotiated brief that fully demonstrates and exploits the knowledge and experience you have gained in your previous studies.

The focus will be on implementation and production, on analytical and practical skills combined with an independent, resourceful and responsive approach to your own individual practice. It should provide an opportunity to produce an innovative range of project solutions, demonstrating high levels of project management and self-organisational skills. You will participate in both group and individual critiques, building on formative feedback which you will obtain from your peers and tutors. Formative assessment points throughout the module will support your progress. You will develop a substantial body of work presented to a professional standard and the curation and exhibition of finished work with your peers.

Coursework weighted at 100%:

Design work containing a completed, professionally presented project proposal and design brief including detailed time management plan. Visual research material, primary and secondary research, collected from a variety of sources, presented in an organized professional manner. Material experimentation and design development through sketching, maquettes, prototypes and ergonomic rigs to develop design ideas.

Facsimile model and/or range of products

Printed promotional or explanatory book

Promotional or explanatory video

A final verbal presentation/pitch of concept
The presentation should outline the context of your work including details concerning target market, materials, manufacturing, ergonomics, functionality and form.

[Learning Outcomes 1-6]

Lectures and Seminars.
Tutorials, individual and group, where you will present your work in progress and receive constructive criticism and feedback.
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.
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.
The curation and exhibition of finished work with your peers.
Engagement with professionals.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Identify and analyse your target market with an awareness of the end user, and produce a cohesive design brief, and critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and relevant data.
University Learning Outcome
Analysis

Module Learning Outcome
2. Identify problems, develop appropriate questions and use design methods to apply the most appropriate solution/s and use decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts.
University Learning Outcome
Problem Solving

Module Learning Outcome
3. Select and use appropriate making or manufacturing process in your own work, with an understanding of the potential of new technologies and apply the findings of your research in the development of your work, some of which is at the forefront of a discipline.
University Learning Outcome
Application

Module Learning Outcome
4. Select and employ a range of appropriate research methodologies, and demonstrate an understanding of uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.
University Learning Outcome
Enquiry
Learning

Module Learning Outcome
5. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of related disciplines including cultural, manufacturing, costing, marketing and professional issues.
University Learning Outcome
Knowledge and Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
6. Express yourself professionally and articulately within contemporary design practices and evaluate and present an informed overview of your own studio practice in the curation of a professional final exhibition of your work, to demonstrate the learning ability, qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment/further training.
University Learning Outcome
Communication
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.

Baxter, M (2018) Product Design - Practical methods for the systematic development of new products. CRC Press.
Bell, J. (2003) Concept Car Design: Driving the dream. RotoVision.
Cooper R & Press M. (2003). The Design Experience: The Role of Design and Designers in the 21st Century. Routledge.
Kline, G. (2018). Amazing Glaze: Techniques, Recipes, Finishing and Firing. Voyageur Press.
Lewis, H. (2017) Design + Environment: A Global Guide to Designing Greener Goods. Routledge.
Reis, D. (2010). Product Design in the Sustainable Era: MI. Taschen.
Riley, S (2018) Mindful Design: How and Why to Make Design Decisions for the Good of Those Using Your Product. APress.

N/A

Your Major Project is the pinnacle of your degree and an opportunity to put everything you have learnt into practice. You will demonstrate high levels of creativity, project management and self-organisational skills. You will deliver a substantial body of work presented to a professional standard, resulting in the curation and exhibition of your own and your peers’ finished work. This is your opportunity to impress industry connections and exhibit your work nationally.