This module is concerned with creativity, asking you to generate innovative and challenging approaches to your work. It provides you with the opportunity to innovate in your own sphere of the design world, supported by seminars on the theories of creativity and innovation. You will consider the nature and processes of creativity and innovation, how designers think and work and how innovation can be encouraged by environmental and management factors. You may for instance, wish to explore new methods of working in your studio practice, or carry out an in-depth investigation into the processes of innovation in a particular industry. Your project will broaden the boundaries of your current work by exploring new ways of working, new markets or new technologies and work towards breaking new ground in your field. You will also investigate how innovative designs can be protected, particularly through registration and copyright. In addition you will closely examine appropriate presentation skills to promote you and your work in a competitive market.

Either 100% artefacts with a written report of 2,000 words and presentation, or 100% written report of 5,000 words and presentation.

To achieve a pass in this module the assessed work must demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes as listed above.

To achieve a distinction in this module you must complete the assessment task and demonstrate achievement of all of the [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3] Additionally, your work will exhibit an outstanding ability in the application of the processes of creativity and innovation and your design solutions will show that you have broken new ground in your chosen design area. Your work will be presented in an exemplary manner to Masters level and the standards in your own professional field.

You will negotiate an appropriate topic to investigate with an allocated supervisor who will initially help you to draw up a written proposal outlining your project aims and objectives. The final outcomes of the project may be a balance of practical and theoretical work. You will work on your own initiative to complete your chosen project supported by weekly seminars and tutorials.

In practice-based modules, appropriate student supervision beyond the stated contact learning hours is determined by the number of students enrolled on the module per semester, and will be in accordance with current health and safety requirements.

Open University (1996) Innovation - design environment and strategy. Readings and Case Studies
0749274107

Rothberg R (1981) Corporate strategy and Product Innovation. Collier MacMillan
0029275202

The Innovators Source Book (1995) Wigan
0952090821

Students are expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities within the University; keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of major practitioners in their subject.

Library
Overhead projector
35mm slide projector
seminar room
workshops

Non-specialist computing facilities for email, internet access, word processing, database, spreadsheet and basic presentations will be available through LLRS/ITS facilities on campus, not from within the School itself - the exception being the School's Student Browsers based in studios which will support email and internet access.

There are no Skills Modulettes assigned to this module.