Explorations of Form and Material, 12 credits

Contents

The course consists of four modules:

Visual Communication, 3 credits

The module begins with a historical overview of visualization and then provides students with the opportunity to work with various materials to explore basic visualization techniques. The focus is on using visualization as a creative and investigative tool to reflect on, develop, and communicate concepts and ideas. Students gain basic knowledge of proportions, perspective, light and shadow, grayscale, and color. They apply this by creating simple conceptual presentation sketches.

Learning Goals: ELO 1, ELO 5

Theme Week: Future Technologies, 1.5 credits

The module focuses on exploring various future technologies and contexts relevant to the design field. The module constitutes a theme that spans across the years of the bachelor's program.

Learning Goals: ELO 9

Form Studies, 4.5 credits

In this module, students conduct a group analysis of form with a focus on experience and impact. The analysis includes semiotics, form, color and material, where the object is examined in relation to its context and recipient. The aim is to use norm critical perspective to investigate how the object is perceived and what messages it conveys. Based on the analysis, students develop form proposals. Individually, each student works from a self-formulated goal to carry out a creative, iterative, and investigative artistic process - from early idea to final form proposal. During the process, form and design challenges are discussed and addressed with the support of guidance.

Learning Goals: ELO 4, ELO 7, ELO 8, ELO 10

Basic Design, 3 credits

The module aims to provide a fundamental understanding of form as a concept and the processes used to explore and shape three-dimensional forms in various materials. The module introduces basic processing methods and their safety regulations. Students are trained to communicate form-related concepts both orally and in writing.

During the module, central concepts in product semiotics are introduced, and students practice analyzing and reflecting on how three-dimensional form affects experience and interpretation. Additionally, color is introduced as a concept and means for exploration in design.

Learning Goals: ELO 2, ELO 3, ELO 6

Expected learning outcomes

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

Knowledge and Understanding:

(ELO 1) Exemplify various tools, materials, and applications for visualization.

(ELO 2) Understand and discuss key concepts, methods, and theories in product semiotics and norm criticism.

(ELO 3) Explain how form, color, and experience are interconnected and influence our perception of design.

(ELO 4) Analyze design based on aesthetics, color, and form, and how these affect the overall impression.

Competence and Skills: 

(ELO 5) Use visualization techniques as a creative tool to develop and present ideas.

(ELO 6) Create, shape, and experiment with three-dimensional forms using relevant techniques in the maker spaces safely.

(ELO 7) Use visualization techniques to create and develop design concepts.

(ELO 8) Conduct and present a process in a design project from initial sketches and models to a finished three-dimensional form.

Judgment and Approach: 

(ELO 9) Critically examine and experiment with new and emerging technologies to understand their potential impact on industrial design and sustainable future scenarios.

(ELO 10) Reflect on and discuss the role of art and aesthetics in society and how design influences our world.

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.