Project 1: Methodology in Product Design 15 credits

About the course

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.