Project 1: Methodology in Product Design 15 credits

About the course

The course introduces methods for rapid ethnography studies and participatory design with a user-centred approach. The course also includes creative group methods for synthesis of conclusions, insights, ideation and concept development. During the course the students will define and select a relevant design opportunity of their own choice and reflect and argue for the intended approach, project planning and the completed the project work. The final outcome of the course is a design solution addressing the identified problem, in most cases a proposal for a product or a system. The course focuses on a specific user group and context. It is usually carried out in collaboration with a predetermined partner. The course consists of the following modules:

1. User studies, group workshop and brainstorming, 3 credits
This module teaches design methodology for practical user studies and includes observations, interviews, visual documentation and general information gathering. It concludes with a structured documentation of the students learning process and conclusions.
A group workshop and brainstorm is carried out where the students will explore, identify and structure relevant problems, followed by the ideation and initial visualization of potential design opportunities. This module ends with the students choosing and defining their own project direction within the defined scope of the course.

2. Design and development work, 9 credits
This module trains the practical design of a product or a system with a focus on functionality, technology and user needs, by translating the insights from previous modules into a concrete concept and design proposal.

3. Visualization and documentation, 3 credits
The final module focuses on design refinement and visualization of the design concept using suitable media. The module ends with a final presentation and the submission of a written report that summarizes the student's work process and final projects result.

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This course is part of a programme

This course contains occasions that are included in a degree programme at Umeå university and applies only to those of you who are admitted to the programme. You will receive information about application times and what applies to you from your institution.

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Autumn 2025
- Project 1: Methodology in Product Design
  
  Offered as a part of a Degree programme
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
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  Starts
  3 November 2025
  
  Ends
  18 January 2026
  
  Number of credits
  15 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-52203
  
  Eligibility Univ: 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. In addition, the student must have passed the first 7,5 ECTS of first year level master courses at Umeå Institute of Design or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
  
  Selection
  Is only given for students at programme DAAPM. Guaranteed place.
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2025. The application period is closed.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 80,325
  
  Total fee: SEK 80,325
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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