Becoming a Designer: introduction, 12 credits

Contents

The course consists of four modules:

Introduction, 3 credits 

In this module, the Umeå Institute of Design and the educational program are introduced, along with the pedagogical formats and working methods in the program. The module focuses on group collaboration from a norm-critical perspective. Basic visualization tools, IT environment, and creative environments are also introduced in the module.

Learning Goals: ELO 1, ELO 5, ELO 6

Theme Week: Artistic Practices and Configurations, 1.5 credits 

The module focuses on exploring various aesthetic and artistic expressions, working methods, and materials. The module constitutes a theme that spans across the years of the bachelor's program.

Learning Goals: ELO 7

Past, Present, and Futures, 3 credits 

In this module, the student investigates, prototypes, and reflects on design and sustainability from historical, contemporary, and future perspectives.

Learning Goals: ELO 2, ELO 8

Design, Investigation through Practice and Reflection, 4.5 credits 

In this module, various design practices are introduced and examined with a focus on objects, systems, and environments based on the possibilities and limitations for humans, non-humans, and society, and with a sustainability and norm-critical perspective. In this module, the student investigates and reflects on various design practices and the role of designers from a norm-critical and sustainability perspective. The student investigates and creates a temporary documentation of their results from the design work, and discusses various design practices and the role of designers.

Learning Goals: ELO 3, ELO 4, ELO 9

Expected learning outcomes

For a passing grade, the student shall be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding:

(ELO 1) Examine and discuss collaborations within design practice from a norm-critical perspective.

(ELO 2) Examine and discuss design by integrating historical, contemporary, and future perspectives based on sustainability.

(ELO 3) Explain fundamental concepts in a reflective investigative design process.

(ELO 4) Examine and reflect on design practices and one's individual positioning with a focus on objects, systems, and environments, as well as from the perspectives of humans, non-humans, society, norm criticism, and sustainability.

Competence and Skills: 

(ELO 5) Investigate and apply basic visualization techniques in design.

(ELO 6) Evaluate and exemplify safety work and routines in the institution's maker spaces.

(ELO 7) Explore how artistic expressions and methods can be used to shape, challenge, and transform design processes and products in industrial design.

(ELO 8) Show examples of design development from historical, contemporary, and future perspectives with a focus on sustainability.

Judgment and Approach: 

(ELO 9) Investigate and compile a temporary documentation of one's individual exploration within the design field.

Required Knowledge

General entry requirements for admission to the Bachelor's programme in Industrial Design and English B/6.

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, workshops, reflections, dialogues, practical exercises, and activities conducted both in groups and individually. Students are encouraged to support each other's learning through investigative and experimental approaches, with a focus on learning-by-doing. Presentations are made in various formats, including oral presentations, visual representations, and written texts. The course includes assignments, and students receive guidance in connection with practical exercises.

Examination modes

Each module is assessed continuously throughout the course and includes submissions in the form of written and/or visual material, oral presentations, individually or in groups.

To pass the course, all modules must be completed with a passing grade. Grades are given for each module and for the course as a whole according to the scale Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Adapted assesment

The examiner may decide on deviations from the course syllabus's examination form. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the course syllabus's expected learning outcomes. A student who needs an adapted examination must request adaptation from the department no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adapted examination, which is then communicated to the student.

Transfer of credits

A student can receive credit for all or parts of this course if they can present a certificate showing that they have completed and passed an equivalent course. For further information, refer to the Procedure for Credit Transfer at Bachelor's and Master's Level on Umeå University's website.

Other regulations

The courses Design Studies and Design Expression are conducted in parallel with the course.