BA (Hons) Product Design

Design Thinking

The module provides an introduction to design methodologies and the influential contexts associated to the process of design. Emphasis is to be placed upon developing an understanding of analysis and synthesis as a fundamental element of design development. The module encourages a diverse approach to idea generation and provides the opportunity to understand the intrinsic qualities of materials, trends and the necessity of realising transient proposals effectively and efficiently.

Drawing

The module provides the opportunity to probe approaches from a diverse range of disciplines and to exploit constraint in the potential development of creative concepts. The emphasis of the module is to comprehend and question conventional drawing approaches and to employ tangential thinking to initiate or regenerate identified ideas and markets. An ability to communicate ideas of a conceptual nature, supported by tangible research demonstrating cognitive design development is desired.

Visual Language

The module introduces the principles of using physical and screen based applications within the design process and developing an awareness of the properties of materials and objects. Initial emphasis is directed towards appreciating the interaction of 2D and 3D applications for effective and efficient communications. The contextual aspects and an awareness of applications in associated disciplines are promoted.

In the later stages the module addresses the application of 3D design within the development process and explores various attributes adopted for the generation of convincing 3D models and materials.

Design Contexts

The module requires the student to actively participate in directed design research and develop a strategy for the collation of targeted information relevant to product design. Elements of methodology and design styles are to be explored with a view to providing a comprehensive document profiling historical, contemporary and future directions.

Cultures

The module focuses on encouraging students to develop a responsible approach to product development, and creates an awareness of sustainability in design. Students explore and challenge issues surrounding social vanity, interaction and exclusivity, in addition to understanding the need of developing markets and appreciating strains on natural resources. The module promotes an understanding and relevance of soul references in culture and developing an appreciation that changes in society can influence the range of creative responses available.

Sensory Design

The module promotes the significance of arousing feelings and expressing emotions through added value in design solutions. The ability to create a controlling influence utilising pro-active and re-active responses to an observer is explored. Communication of emotions associated with the psychological aspects of design are explored, with reference to both the inherent qualities of products and the exploitation of constraints in provoking a response from the user; the emphasis therefore focusing on communication not decoration.

Visual Language

The module investigates and explores visual languages within the context of 3D design communication and addresses the process of transferring an idea into a realistic proposal. The module requires the student to identify and achieve empathy with a target audience, using a range of communication methods.

Design Contexts

The module aims to prepare students effectively for undertaking an in-depth study of a particular area related to their major subject study, which will develop and demonstrate their capacity for original and critical thought and action.

Negotiated Project 1

The module encourages self-initiated learning, critical evaluation and analysis within the initial stages of the design process. Focus is directed at the ability to formulate judgements and reasoned argument, through research methods, to support the proposal of developing creative design solutions for identified or potential target markets.

Negotiated Project 2

The module further promotes self-initiated development and provides the opportunity to evolve identified design proposals, to viable solutions effectively and efficiently. The autonomy of the module facilitates motivation and relevance, enhancing development and supporting design realisation to identified criteria.

Futures

The module seeks to recognise and define issues, which are influential to the future direction of design strategies. The module adopts a standard driven approach for analysis, and evaluation of design intelligence supports effective responses to fresh perspectives and provides opportunities to determine market potential and the influence of brands. An ability to drive creativity and challenge conventional boundaries is explored to target and generate innovative design proposals. Emphasis on the evaluation and the critical comparison of future materials is promoted.

Dissertation

The Dissertation offers the student an opportunity to explore in some depth a topic of their own choice, via self-directed study and research. The module aims to broaden the scope of the student’s degree programme by allowing them to identify and pursue relevant academic interests. The module emphasises skills in developing and taking responsibility for an independent research programme and enables the student to develop relevant research skills, critical judgement and appropriate methodologies for study at this level.

Level One

Level one has been constructed to ensure that students can develop their understanding of the discipline, through practical design assignments and supporting design lectures. Core subjects for the level include:

• Design Thinking
• Drawing
• Visual Language
• Design Context

Level Two

Level two is aimed at continuing the design development practice, and also introduces essential supporting elements associated with the business of design. Subjects covered include:

• Cultures
• Sensory Design
• Visual Language
• Design Contexts

Level Three

At level three there is an optional placement year, enabling students to further experience different cultures and engage in live design assignments. The focus of the final level is to prepare for entry into design-related employment. Core subjects include:

• Negotiated Project 1
• Negotiated Project 2
• Futures
• Dissertation

All students completing the programme will be expected to exhibit examples of their work in the Final Year End of Year Show.

Design-related careers include working within a design consultancy as a member of a creative team or as a freelance designer. Graduate destinations also include design management, design journalism and design research, amongst others.

Following graduation students from the programme can apply to enter the Incubator Unit associated to the University. The unit acts as a springboard for new business in design and associated areas.

• The Product Design programme aims to present studio outcomes at National and International exhibitions and Galleries. For example during 2011 the Product Design programme presented collections at the prestigious Salonesatellite Milan, ICFF New York and NeoCon East in Baltimore US.

• The option of a placement year provides students with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience, supported through the course, in the UK or overseas; Study and Assessment.

• Following graduation from the programme, individuals can apply to enter the incubation unit. The unit is designed to support new business in design and associated areas and can act as a springboard for emerging and vibrant design consultancies.

• The Product Design students work within professional design environments. The design studios are supported by comprehensive computer suites, multimedia lecture and seminar areas, idea rooms and workshop facilities.

Students completing the programme can apply for professional status with The Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) and The Royal Society of Arts (RSA)

The Product Design programme is a recognised Student Chapter of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and all students have the opportunity to be involved within the work of the organisation.

Applicants will need to have one of the following:

• 280 UCAS points, with a minimum of 100 points (i.e. B or above at A-Level) in a relevant art/design subject

• Foundation Art and Design (Pass)

• Equivalent Scottish, Irish or Overseas qualifications

• An equivalent qualification to those listed above, i.e. Access to Higher Education Certificate.

All applicants will be required to have at least five GCSEs, including a pass in GCSE English Language and evidence of an art/design subject. Mature students with relevant experience and/or portfolio of work are selected on individual merit.

Students can apply through UCAS.

All applicants to the programme will be invited for interview. The interview process usally involves a short presentation to applicants about the programme and current projects. Although most students will have attended an Open Day and received a presentation the interview presentation provides an opportunity to receive updated information. Following the presentation applicants are provided with a tour of the facilities and a chance to meet with students studying on the programme.

Programme staff will review all portfolios without the applicant present but will then interview the applicant to find out more about their work and to ask possible questions relating to the personal statement. Where possible the programme team will provide feedback on the portfolio of work.

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding