Design process basics, 15 Credits

Contents

The course provides an overview of and introduction to the methods and processes used in the field of industrial design and in the product development process. An introduction to visualisation techniques in 2D (sketching) and 3D (modelling techniques), as well as in graphic design, is given. Focus is on the design process in development of physical products and on the visualisation and communication of ideas and design concepts. The perspectives of design for all and sustainable design are introduced in relation to the design process. The aim is that student understands and performs a basic application of design methods and processes in supervised projects.

Sub-course 1. Introductory project, 1,5 credits
The sub-course consists of an introduction to Umeå Institute of Design and the course package Industrial Design Intensive. Work methods and educational philosophy are presented and discussed, and a basic introduction is given to the UID infrastructure of facilities, computer systems, economy and materials (DOLF system) and study techniques. Students carry out a short project with the aim of introducing the methodology of project work and fundamentals of group dynamics. Examination through active participation in education and a visual and oral project presentation.

Sub-course 2. Sketch basics, 3 credits.
The sub-course focuses on how to communicate ideas through 2D sketching techniques. Focus is on the basics of visual communication, and on introducing sketching as a tool for ideation and communication. The course covers basic sketching techniques, such as work methods, materials and perspective. A brief introduction is given to the tools to scan sketches, clean them and place them in a document for printing. The aim is that students shall feel confident in communicating ideas visually and orally, and to introduce basic sketching techniques with special focus on ideation sketching and concept exploration sketching. Part one (1,5 credits) covers the fundamentals in sketching techniques and materials and is examined through active participation in education and submission of required assignments. Part two (1,5 credits) continues developing sketching as a tool for ideation and communication, and is examined through active participation in education and submission of required assignments.

Sub-course 3. Form basics and modelling techniques, 1,5 credits
Fundamentals in form studies are introduced, in connection to the basics of manual three dimensional modelling techniques. The goal of the sub-course is to give the student an introduction to the practice and the understanding of form, in order to train skills and abilities related to form exploration and basic semantics of form in different materials. An introduction is given to the wood workshop hand tools and machinery, such as band saws, milling machines, drills etc., and to the paint system and paint box. The aim is that the student acquires the skills to independently handle painting and wood workshop machines and equipment according to safety measures and UID rules. Examination through active participation in the wood workshop education, and submission of 3D foam models accompanied by required 2D visual material.

Sub-course 4. The design process, 4,5 credits
The sub-course introduces the methods used in the design process in product development work. Theory and practice are joined in a project throughout the sub-course, where the steps of the design process are taught and implemented in the project. Methods for problem definition, visualisation and research, such as function analysis, target group definition, scenario and board techniques are introduced. Focus on learning, understanding and using methods for defining a design problem, research, ideation, evaluation, conceptualisation and presentation. Brand values in relation to design process. Defining user groups, and working with board techniques to communicate brand value, user groups etc. Introduction to the perspectives of sustainable design and design for all in the design process as a whole. The aim of the sub-course is that the student is familiar with the steps of the design process, can apply these in a tutor-led project, and can present both the result and all steps of the process visually and orally. Examination through active participation in education, submission of required deliverables, and the oral and visual presentation of a product design project.

Sub-course 5. Graphic design, 3 credits
The basics of layout, typography and graphic design are introduced in relation to different media and means of communication: portfolio, digital presentations, posters and other visual and textual media. Different tools for graphic design work are introduced, as are theories and practices in visual and graphic communication and methods for visual and graphic narration. The aim is that the student becomes familiar with graphic design tools, and can begin to adapt different types of visual and graphic communication to different situations, contexts and scopes. Examination through active participation in education, with oral, visual and written presentations of required deliverables.

Sub-course 6. 3D digital modelling techniques, 1,5 credits
The sub-course introduces the tools of digital modelling techniques, in relation to visualisation and form exploration. Examination through active participation in the education, and submission of 3D digital visual material.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:

• account for how the design process is conducted, explain the key concepts and methods of the design process, and under tutor supervision apply said process in a project assignment, showing skills in time and project management by keeping deadlines and fulfilling requirements.
• apply design methods for problem statement, research, ideation and evaluation together with other students in a group, and share ideas and results through group discussions, demonstrating a basic awareness of group processes in project work.
• account for materials and methods used in modelling techniques, relate these to basic concepts and practices in form studies, and practically apply these in creating physical models.
• demonstrate elementary skills in communicating ideas and simple design concepts through manual sketching techniques, and transfer 2D visualisations to simple 3D models in foam or other materials.
• produce simple geometrical 3D forms using software for digital 3D modelling, and give an account of in which stages of the design process, and why, digital 3D-modelling can be used.
• use computer aided technology to scan and manipulate sketches and other images, and include these in digital documents and presentations.
• demonstrate basic skills in using typographic and visual communication tools for different media, contexts and purposes, and account for choices in layout and graphics in relation to content and scope.
• account for sustainability and design for all as approaches to design, and relate these to the different steps of the design process.
• produce a simple visual project presentation in which the design process is explained, from problem statement to final concept, using computer aided technology, and present this orally in English in a structured and logical way.

Required Knowledge

For admission to the course, students must previously have conducted, and passed, a minimum of one year of full time university studies (60 ECTS) or the equivalent and presented specified home assignments.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutoring, practical assignments, group and project work. Students work both individually and in groups with assignments and projects. Education is carried out in English.

Examination modes

Examination is carried out in the form of presentations – oral, visual and written – of projects and work, and submission of assignments: written and/or visual (2D and 3D).

After completing the course, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) is awarded the student. Students receive a grade of either Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U) for each assignment and sub-course as for full course. In order to obtain credit for the course, all sub-courses and assignments must be completed with a minimum grade of Pass, and the project assignments which include applications of skills and knowledge from all sub-courses must also be completed with a minimum grade of Pass. For the grade Pass, the student must be present for mandatory education and hand in required deliverables. For the grade Pass with distinction (VG) on the whole course, the student must pass all the individual course elements and obtain Pass with distinction on Sub-course 4: The design process and Pass with distinction on Sub-course 5: Graphic design.

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.