Project 1: Methodology in Product Design, 15 Credits

Contents

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.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

• Show understanding and account for the complexity and considerations needed when conducting user studies.
• Identify design opportunities based on acquired knowledge and critically argue for their relevance in terms of the user group's needs.
• Show the ability to draw conclusions and make decisions from collected information and communicate these in a written project description together with a work and time plan.

Competence and skills

• Demonstrate the ability to work in groups.
• Independently carry out a project and communicate and involve other parties in the creative development of the project.
• Present the outcome of the design project using appropriate media and demonstrate the ability to reflect and argue for the use of these media.

Judgement and approach

• Critically reflect on the work methods and own choices made during the design process, also in relation to UNs sustainable development goals, and describe the personal learning and knowledge that has been achieved.

Required Knowledge

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.

Form of instruction

The course is conducted in the form of practical work which includes user studies, independent knowledge gathering, group work, creative seminars, and own project work. Details are given in the specific project description presented at the start of the course.

Examination modes

The course's expected study results are examined in accordance with the following regulations.

Module 1: User studies, group workshop and idea generation, 3 credits
The module is examined through the following tests:

• oral presentation of a group assignment
• individual written assignment.

The oral presentation of the group assignment and the individual written assignment are given one of the reviews Pass (G) or Fail (U).

Grades on the module are only decided when all the tests have been completed. The module is graded with one of the grades Pass (G) or Fail (U). For the grade Pass (G), all tests must be assessed with the result Pass (G). If either of the tests is assessed with the result Fail (U), the grade Fail (U) is set on the module, provided that the student has completed a performance on all the tests in the module.

Module 2: Design and development work, 9 hp
The module is examined through the following tests:

• oral presentations of the ongoing development work
• submission of presentation material prepared for the project's process presentations

The oral presentation of the development work and written assignments are given one of the reviews Pass (G) or Fail (U).

Grades on the module are only decided when all the tests have been completed. The module is graded with one of the grades Pass (G) or Fail (U). For the grade Pass (G), all tests must be assessed with the result Pass (G). If either of the tests is assessed with the result Fail (U), the grade Fail (U) is set on the module, provided that the student has completed a performance on all the tests in the module.

Module 3: Visualization and documentation, 3 credits
The module is examined through the following tests:

• oral presentation of the student's developed end result
• submission of presentation material prepared for the project's final presentation
• individual written assignment

The oral presentation of the final result and the written assignments are given one of the reviews Pass (G) or Fail (U).

Grades on the module are only decided when all the tests have been completed. The module is graded with one of the grades Pass (G) or Fail (U). For the grade Pass (G), all tests must be assessed with the result Pass (G). If either of the tests is assessed with the result Fail (U), the grade Fail (U) is set on the module, provided that the student has completed a performance on all the tests in the module.

The complete course:
The final grade for the complete course is only decided when all the tests have been completed and the grades of all modules have been decided. For the final grade Pass (G) on full course, the grade Pass (G) is required for modules 1, 2 and 3.

Deviations from the course syllabus examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the expected syllabus of the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course responsible teacher, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision must then be communicated to the student.

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.