Project 1: Design Methodology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course combines studies of and exercises in design methodology, applied on a design project with a predetermined user group. The items illustrated and practiced during the course are problem identification and design possibilities, written report of the project description, the creation and maintenance of a sketch log, and user evaluation of the project solutions. The final product of the course is a design solution for the identified problem, in most cases a proposal for a product- or system development.

Expected learning outcomes

After having completed the course, the student will be able to:

• master the specific design method used at the MA programme in Advanced Product Design, that facilitates identifying the problems, describing them, and proposing a project solution to solve them
• write a preliminary project description and create a sketch dialogue
• carry out user studies and utilize various interviewing techniques to create a sketch log that shows the creative development of the current project
• visualize the end result of the design project in a convincing way

Required Knowledge

Univ: In order to be admitted to the course students must have completed a BA in Industrial Design or the equivalent as well as the first 15 ECTS Credits 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 (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum score of 575 and a minimum TWE score of 4.5). TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 20 on the Writing Section). Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The course consists of active student research, the acquisition of knowledge, lectures, group work and individual project work. Details and schedule according to the specific project brief as presented at the beginning of the course. All sections of the course are obligatory.

Examination modes

The word examination in this case refers to the final presentation. The grade for the course is based on a list of deliverables as stated in the project brief presented at the beginning of the course. This will usually include digital and 3D presentations of the project solution as well as an oral presentation and a written report based on the students design brief and including relevant research results, work method, sketching and the final results as well as a conclusion.
In order to pass the entire course, the student must complete all of the various exercises and obligatory assignments and these must be approved. The grade Fail (U) or Pass (G) is a summary of the results of the various course elements and is given first after the final presentation is approved.

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.