Conceptual Product Solutions, 15 Credits

Contents

The course includes studies in the design of conceptual product solutions. Design opportunities within in a defined problem area are explored by combining existing, new or emerging technologies with the purpose to create new relevant design concepts for a future context. The course is often carried out in collaboration with a predetermined collaboration partner.

1.    Research (4.5 credits)
This phase focuses on practical information gathering, structuring and analysis. Most of this will be done in groups. The focus will be to create an understanding of the current situation from which visions of future concepts can be generated. This phase ends with the student defining and presenting a project relevant to the scope of the course.

2.    Conceptual project work and visualization (10.5 credits)
This phase includes project work in smaller groups focusing on exploring the possibilities for design and development of new product solutions that conceptually, visual and functionally addresses the problems identified as most relevant. This phase ends with a final presentation and the submission of visual presentation material that communicates the developed concept.

Expected learning outcomes

After having completed the course, the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Show practical understanding and the ability to implement different approaches and creative methods in the process of comprehensive information gathering, problem identification, idea generation, development and finalization of a conceptual design solution.
• Structure, analyse and conclude initial gathered information, own generated conclusions and decisions and document this in a project description together with a personal work and time plan.

Competence and skills

• Work independently with concept development, individually or in groups, with the purpose to explore possibilities and expressions for selected design opportunities.
• Present the individual design process through two- and three-dimensional medias.

Judgement and approach

• Reflect on the developed design result and communicate this through a time-based visual media and convey the intended use and value of the developed concept in the intended context.

Required Knowledge

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university. Specific entry requirements are: 60 ECTS credits in the field of Design. Student must also have passed all previous courses on the Master´s Programme in Advanced Product Design at Umeå Institute of Design or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

The teaching is in the form of lectures and practical training, independent acquisition of knowledge, group work and individual project work. Details and schedule according to the specific project brief as presented at the beginning of the course.

Examination modes

Examination is carried out in the form of presentations – oral, visual and written – at specific gateways during the course and as a final presentation at the end of the course.
After completing the course the grades Fail (U) or Pass (G) is awarded the student.
In order to obtain credit for the course, the students must have produced an approved project brief with problem statement and time plan, participated at the presentations at the specified gateways, and submitted the final visual presentation material for approval.
The grades Fail (U) or Pass (G) provides a summary of the results of the various parts of the course and are given only when the final presentation has been approved.
For students who have not obtained the grade Pass, other examination sessions will be arranged. A student who for two consecutive examinations for the same course or sub-course has not been passed, has the right to have another examiner appointed, if there are no special reasons against this (Higher Education Ordinance chapter 6, 22 §). The request for a new examiner shall be made in writing to the Head of Department at Umeå Institute of Design.

ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER
Students have the right to request that previous studies, or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in a professional, work-related capacity, be validated and transferred into credits on an equivalent course or programme at Umeå University.  Applications for credit transfer should be addressed to Student Services/Degree Evaluation Office. More information can be found at the Umeå University student web site (www.student.umu.se/english)  and in Chapter 6 of the Higher Education Ordinance.  Appeals may be made to the Higher Education Appeals Board (ÖNH) against a decision by the university not to approve an application for credit transfer (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 12), even in cases where only a part of the application has been rejected.