Main Field of Study and progress level:
Industrial Design: First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Umeå Institute of Design (UID)
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2021-09-08
Contents
The course focuses on how various economic factors can influence design choices, and on how one can
consciously influence the perception and experience of a product or service. Design management
basics are related to marketing strategies, and to the role of the industrial designer from a strategic
perspective. Students apply skills and knowledge from this and previous courses in portfolio or project
work. The course constitutes the fourth part of the one-year course Industrial Design Introduction,
60 ECTS and is structured in three sub-courses:
Sub-course 1. Portfolio, 3 credits.
The sub-course consists of applied project work, in which the student produces a portfolio over
projects executed during the IDI courses, and other projects if applicable. Graphic and visual analysis
and methodology should be used in order to convey the project processes, the students experiences
and strengths through layout, images and texts. The examination consists in the production and
presentation of a portfolio for a specific educational or professional context.
Sub-course 2. Design management, 9 credits.
Introduction to design management and different marketing strategies. Areas covered are how design
strategy is implemented in a professional design context, how design methodology is used
strategically in brand management, and how design projects are organised. The design process in
service design is introduced and a project in the area of service design, relating to design management,
is carried out. A study trip is taken to visit consultancies, companies and other institutions relevant to
design management and design educaton. Examination through active participation and submission of required deliverables (Design management, 1,5 credits), oral, visual and written presentation of a
service design project (Service design, 6 credits) and seminar discussions and a written essay (Study
trip, 1,5 credits).
Sub-course 3. Visual communication, 3 credits.
The sub-course consists of applied studies of graphic and visual communication methods, aiming at
the production of a 2D poster and web-based material. Examination through public display of required
exhibition material, digital and 2D.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student shall be able to:
- account for the concept of design management, and give examples of design and marketing strategies
relating to different parts of the design process and to different types of professional design contexts.
- describe how economic, social and ethical factors can influence the choice of design solutions and
strategies, and relate this to strengths and weaknesses of different marketing strategies.
-formulate, plan and carry out a design project in the area of service design, relating to this to product
design, interaction design and brand management, using adequate design methodology and orally and
in writing reflecting upon how the choice of methods affect the different stages and outcome of the
project.
- produce printed and digital materials that convey a specific message for a specific context or
recipient, and relate the choice of graphic, visual and textual solutions to an analysis of visual,
professional, social and cultural context.
-hold visual and oral presentations in English of the process and results of design projects, adapting
the presentation to audience and situation and reflecting on the process and result as a whole.
Required Knowledge
Univ: For admission to the course, students must previously have conducted a minimum of two years of full time university studies (120 ECTS) or the equivalent. Students have to present specified home assignments. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum score of 575 and a minimum TWE score of 4.5). TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 20 on the Writing Section). In addition to this, students must also have received a minimum grade of Pass (G) on the courses Introduction to Industrial Design BASIC , IMPLEMENT and CREATE.
Form of instruction
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutoring, practical assignments, group and project work.
Students work both individually and in groups with assignments and projects. Education is carried out
in English.
Examination modes
Examination is carried out in the form of presentations oral, visual and written of project work and
assignments.
After completing the course, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) is
awarded the student. Students receive a grade of either Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U)
for each assignment and sub-course as for full course. In order to obtain credit for the course, all subcourses and assignments must be completed with a minimum grade of Pass, and the project assignment which includes applications of skills and knowledge from all sub-courses must also be completed with a minimum grade of Pass. For the grade Pass, the student must be present at all
teacher and tutor led education. For the grade Pass with distinction (VG) on the whole course, the student must pass all the individual course elements and obtain Pass with distinction on Sub-course 2: Design management, 9 ECTS and one additional subcourse.
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 Department board of the Umeå Institute of Design.
ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER
Equivalency credits for this course can only be given if it can be shown through transcripts and course
plans that a similar course has been passed, and after the course responsible and director of studies
have evaluated and approved the students individual level of skills and knowledge.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
