Industrial Design, Advanced Product

About the course package

The exchange semester at Advanced Product Design Programme provides the students with professional tools, methods and a creative mindset to work with the development and design of the best possible solution for a given problem or identified design opportunity. The aim is at identifying and defining the problem before the conceptualization phase, with emphasis on problem identification and definition as the basic starting point in the design process.
The studies are project-based and often carried out in collaboration with industrial partners, research units or local authorities. Most projects concern problems that the students identify themselves, problems that have not already been solved countless times by others. This implies less emphasis on trendy, fashionable consumer products and more on professional products for qualified users. This includes product areas such as the medico-technical industry, design for the disabled, professional tools and equipment, public services and equipment and a variety of product applications for emerging technologies.

5ID223 Introduction Course, APD 7,5 ECTS
This course provide an introduction to Umeå Institute of Design's workshops, computer and communication networks. It further provide an introduction to the subject of Advanced Product Design and includes creative collaborative work processes.

5ID229 CAID - Advanced level, step 1
The aim of the course is to introduce CAID (Computer Aided Industrial Design) as a tool to test and communicate design ideas and proposals. The course covers different methods used to create, use and develop forms and details with the aid of computers. By creating virtual 3D-models the students gain the ability to generate presentation material in the form of digital images, printouts or animations.

5ID230 CAID - Advanced level, step 2
The general aim of the course is to prepare for independent work with different CAID tools (Computer Aided Industrial Design). Students will perform a variety of practical exercises and learn to create advanced models with regard to both workflow efficiency, quantitative and qualitative requirements from specific modeling tasks. The instruction also includes how to digitally scan physical objects to be able to use them as a reference to process and refine form in specialized software. Students are trained in presentation methods including virtual reality, animation and real-time visualization. Knowledge of creating and exporting CAID files for physical modeling and rapid prototyping is also covered during the course.

5ID224 Project 1: Methodology in Product Design 15 ECTS
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 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.

Specific entry requirements are: 60 ECTS credits in the field of Design + Portfolio. Send your Portfolio and letter of motivation directly to the International contact person at Umeå Institute of Design via e-mail.
E-mail address: uid.exchange@umu.se