Design Implementation, 15 Credits

Contents

The course provides a deeper exploration into methods and processes applied in industrial design, with a special focus on ergonomic design, user studies and form development. The sub-course includes applied studies in project form, in which the main focus is on methods for analysis, problem solving and evaluation in relation to user focus, design for all, ergonomics and branding in the product development process. Visualisation skills focused in the course include sketching and computer aided digital modelling, and physical 3D modelling (sketch models and presentation models). A basic introduction to working systematically with colour in design is given, and an elective part of the course gives the student an opportunity to choose to develop specific design skills or areas.

Sub-course 1. Form exploration, 1,5 credits.
The goal of the sub-course is to promote an exploratory and investigative approach to form, introducing the basics in clay modelling. An aim is that the student, through exercises in two- and three dimensional visualisation, develop the ability to work with the transition from sketch to 3D model. A focus of the sub-course is relating semantics and formal expressions to emotion, qualities and the perception of an object’s message. The course also aims to introduce specific concepts and basic theories of form and semantics. Examination through active participation and submission of required 2D- and 3D deliverables.

Sub-course 2. Ergonomic design, 6 credits.
The sub-course combines the basics of ergonomics and brand management with project studies in the design process. Focus of the project is ergonomic design, especially ergonomics of the hand. Introduction of ergonomic perspectives on design, prototyping techniques, ergonomic user studies and tests using function models. The student shall be able to apply ergonomic theory and practice in the design process as a whole. Equally important in the project is brand management, and relating brand values to form and expression in process as well as in the final concept, in 3D and 2D visualisations. Examination through active participation in education and submission of required deliverables, through carrying out a design project focused on ergonomics and brand management and presenting this orally and visually in both 2D and 3D.

Sub-course 3. Visualisation techniques, 3 credits.
Manual and digitally aided sketching techniques in relation to ideation, presentation and form exploration. The aim of the sub-course is that the student continue working sketching as a tool for ideation and communication, in order to start developing a personal style and own mode of working with sketching as a tool in the design process. Exercises in digital 3D modelling are connected to a previous project. Examination through participation in education and submission of required 2D visual deliverables.

Sub-course 4. Design management, 1,5 credits.
An introduction to design management in relation to marketing strategies design strategies and branding of products and services. 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. Examination through active participation and submission of assigned deliverables.

Sub-course 5. Prototyping the future, 1,5 credits
The goal of the sub- course is to give a starting point for the student to reflect over how knowledge and skills trained during the course can contribute to the own professional development. A special focus is given to how skills and abilities can be trained in relation to different strategies and methods in preparation to future societal and professional development and change. The student will reflect over the own strengths and weaknesses in the own professional “tool box” in relation to how she/he can work with competence development in a longer perspective. The course consists of workshops and exercises, in the areas of design skills, design thinking and artistic development, that the student chooses between. Examination through active participation in workshop, submission of deliverables and through a written assignment.

Sub-course 6. Colour studies, 1,5 credits
The purpose of the sub-course is to increase the knowledge of the importance of the practical use of colour as a tool within industrial design, focusing both theoretical and practical colour studies and introducing colour systems. The sub-course focuses colour as a visual phenomenon, and colour communication through the whole design process, from idea to final product. Examination through, active participation in education, submission of required assignments, and the oral and visual presentation of a small colour project.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:

• account for the basics of brand management in the design process, give examples of design and marketing strategies relating to different parts of the design process and demonstrate abilities to use different techniques to investigate, analyse and implement brand values in the product development process.
• incorporate ergonomic perspectives in the design process, and apply different methods for analysis, problem solving and evaluation in the practical design process in order to create concepts and/or prototypes of physical products, relating these to ergonomic considerations as well as sustainability and semantics in the form development process.
• translate 2D-sketches into 3D models and reflect upon form related and modelling technique related issues in this transition.
• visualise and investigate form and concept development using manual sketching, sketch models, function models, work with digital tools to produce simple renderings and use computer aided visualisation tools for simple digital modelling.
• orally and in writing reflect over which areas of knowledge and skills training are relevant for the individual development in relation to the future or present profession.
• account for materials and mtethods used in modelling techniques, relate these to basic concepts in form and colour studies, and apply these to create and colour physical models.
• plan and manage a project within set time limits, while demonstrating basic skills in setting up, following and revising an individual project plan.
• produce a graphically consistent and logically structured visual project presentation in and present this orally in English in an argumentatively convincing way, and present the project’s process and result in a written report.

Required Knowledge

For admission to the course, students must previously have conducted, and passed, a minimum of one year of full time university studies (60 ECTS) or the equivalent and presented 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).

Form of instruction

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutoring, practical assignments, group and project work as well as independent 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 work and submission of assignments: written and/or visual (2D and 3D).

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 sub-courses 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 also present at all mandatory 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: Ergonomic design and Pass with distinction on one additional sub-course.

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.