Interaction and expression, 15 Credits

Contents

The course includes work in project form with the design process in interaction design and the development of non-physical products, in relation to basic cognitive ergonomics, prototyping and visualisation through different 2D- and 3D techniques. The course also focuses work with form, styling and visualisation in reference to transportation design, including modelling techniques, and integrating this in project work. During the course students work with producing a portfolio, and are trained in different graphic and visual tools in order to express personal skills as well as processes in a design professional context.

Sub-course 1. Interaction design, 6 credits.
An introduction to the phases of the design process in interaction design and the development of non-physical products. Interaction methods for observation, evaluation, and perspectives on semantics are introduced, as are methods for lo-fi and hi-fi prototyping. Applied studies in project work. Examination through participation in education and submission of required assignments (The design process in interaction design, 1,5 credits) and the visual and oral presentation and written/visual documentation of the design process of an interaction design project (4,5 credits).

Sub-course 2. Portfolio, 3 credits
The sub-course aims at introducing how to document and present a design project visually and verbally in a portfolio. Focus is on introducing basic methods for visual and graphic narration, and on how to work with layout, visual imagery and text in order to convey a design process and result. Production of a portfolio communicating the skills, strengths and capabilities of the student in visual, textual and graphic form. The portfolio shall demonstrate the student’s design process and results of project work, in relation to the social and professional context of design portfolios. Examination through active participation in education and the submission and presentation of a portfolio.

Sub-course 3. Form and visualisation, 6 credits.
The sub- course introduces methods of working with form and visualisation in transportation design through a project with the main focus on form work, styling, and visualisation techniques. The students shall be able to work with expressing values and/or brands through both 2- and 3-dimensional form work, and present these in relation to basic concepts in product semantics. Examination through submission of a physical model, an oral presentation and written and visual documentation of the project process.

Expected learning outcomes

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

• account for the concept of styling in transportation design, and work on 2- and 3-dimensional form development in relation to brand and /or social values in a transportation design project.
• demonstrate elementary skills in the methods used in the interaction design process and work in groups, conducting a project assignment focused on design of physical and non-physical products.
• account for the professional purposes of a portfolio, and the basics for it’s structure concerning layout and content, and demonstrate basic skills in communicating the design process and final result of a project in a portfolio, while also highlighting the own work methods, strengths and skills in the design process.
• work in teams and individually in planning and conducting a design project, and present the results, process and methods used both individually and in a group context.

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).
Additionally, full time studies equalling 30 credits in industrial design or the equivalent.

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 work and submission of assignments: written and/or visual (2D and 3D), and by active participation in the teacher led education that is of assessment character.

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 assignments 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 with distinction (VG) on the whole course, the student must pass all the individual course elements and obtain Pass with distinction on two of three sub-courses.

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.