Design Communication, 15 Credits

Contents

An aim of the course is that the student shall be able to communicate design problems, design processes, design concepts and the role of the industrial designer through different media and in different situations: in exhibitions, in oral presentations and in digital or printed visual and written materials. The design process in service design is introduced and a project in the area of service design is carried out, in relation to both product development and interaction design. Student s conduct studies of consultancies, companies and other institutions relevant to design management and design education, in relation to both design communication and the role of the industrial designer. The role of the industrial designer is examined from a strategic perspective and related to the historical context of the industrial design profession.

Sub-course 1. Exhibition, 1,5 credits.
During the sub course, the student works with presenting the design process of a completed project in 2D and 3D in a public exhibition. The basics in exhibition techniques are introduced, and in relation to this also how poster layout and graphics relate to a three dimensional model. Examination through the public exhibition of required exhibition materials.

Sub-course 2. Visual storytelling, 1,5 credits
The sub-course introduces the basics in visual storytelling, relating narrative techniques and different visual media to the field of design. Examination through the submission of required visual deliverables and oral presentation of these.

Sub-course 3. Service design, 6 credits.
The design process in service design is introduced and a project in the area of service design, relating to design management, is carried out during the sub-course. Examination through oral, visual and written presentation of a service design project.

Sub-course 4. The role of the industrial designer. 3 credits
The sub-course gives an overview of the history of industrial design, starting in the 1850s and with focus on social context, ideas and styles in western Europe and USA. Special attention is given to the roots of the industrial design profession, and to ideals and expectations related to it. A study is made of how consultancies, companies, design educations and other institutions relevant to the establishment of the design profession understand and express the essence of the designer role. The examination consists in the submission of a written essay and seminar participation.

Sub-course 5. Design communication, 3 credits.
The aim of the sub course is that the student shall analyse and compare how design problems, design processes and design concepts are communicated through different media and in different situations: in exhibitions, in oral presentations and in digital and printed materials. Examination through submission of required deliverables, active participation in seminar and public exhibition.

Expected learning outcomes

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

• show basic skills in working independently together with co-students in planning and producing an exhibition.
• formulate, plan and carry out a design project in the area of service design, relating to this to product design, interaction design and brand management, using adequate design methodology and orally and in writing reflecting upon how the choice of methods affect the different stages and outcome of the project.
• account for the main styles and traditions in industrial design history, and reflect on the historical roles and ideals connected to the industrial design profession in relation to different types of professional design contexts and to the student’s own experience of design.
• produce printed and digital materials that convey a specific message for a specific context or recipient, and relate the choice of graphic, visual and textual solutions to an analysis of visual, professional, social and cultural context.
• hold visual and oral presentations in English of the process and results of design projects, adapting the presentation to audience and situation and reflecting on the process and result as a whole.

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.
Additionally, full time studies equalling 30 credits in industrial design or the equivalent.

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 both individually and in groups, in the form of presentations – oral, visual and written – of project work and assignments, active participation in seminars and the public exhibition of visual materials.

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 assignment which includes applications of skills and knowledge from all sub-courses must also be completed with a minimum grade of Pass. 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 3: Service design, 6 ECTS and two additional sub-courses.

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
Equivalency credits for this course can only be given if it can be shown through transcripts and course plans that a similar course has been passed, and after the course responsible and director of studies have evaluated and approved the students’ individual level of skills and knowledge.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.