This module introduces design thinking; how design principles are embedded everywhere: from electronic devices to objects, commercial products, visual and audio communication, advertising (digital / print), online systems, services, and built environments.
Considering current and historical design approaches, students will learn about design processes as they apply to different domains of design (e.g. audio-visual, graphic, 3D, systems, interaction, electronic devices) and to evaluate the context for the design and the stakeholders that engage with the designed artefact.
Indicative topics include: basic design concepts, current and future trends, design in digital mediated society, speculative design, design for humans/non-humans/things.
Total contact hours: 20
Total private study hours: 130
Total module study hours: 150
100% Coursework
Brown, Tim. 2009. Change by Design: How Design Thinking Creates New Alternatives for Business and Society. New York: Harper Collins.
Flusser, Vilem. 1999. The shape of things: a philosophy of design. London: Reaktion.
Lockwood, Thomas. 2009. Design Thinking. New York: Allworth Press.
Norman, Donald A. 2010. Living with Complexity. MIT Press.
Norman, Donald A. 2013. The Design of Everyday Things, revised and expanded edition. MIT Press.
Walter, Aarron. 2020. Designing for Emotion. New York: A Book Apart
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Recognise a breadth of design approaches as they apply to different contexts.
2. Critique and analyse design artefacts and processes using appropriate methodologies
3. Analyse design approaches (e.g. artefacts, messages, services, systems) in relation to cultural, historical and social context.
4. Assess the suitability of design approaches to particular and hypothetical contexts.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences and/or using a variety of methods
2. Work in flexible, creative and independent ways and apply critical thinking, reasoning and reflection.
3. Develop ability to organise and manage time and resources within an individual project.
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