Designing for Functionality, 12 credits

Contents

The course consists of six modules:

Design Process and Design Methodology, 1.5 credits

The student is introduced to the design process and relevant design methods, as well as related analysis and information-gathering methods. Students are encouraged to analyze and evaluate design decisions based on social, ecological, and economic sustainability.

Learning Goals: ELO 1

Theme Week: Biology, Ecology & Environment, 1.5 credits

The module focuses on exploring various ecosystem aspects 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 2

Workshop Technology, Production Methods & Sustainability, 4.5 credits

The module introduces more fundamental knowledge about processing methods, materials, and components, as well as practical training in relevant techniques. The focus is on developing skills to independently handle equipment and perform practical work safely and efficiently. The module also integrates aspects such as work environment, sustainability, and production methods.

Learning Goals: ELO 3, ELO 4, ELO 5, ELO 6, ELO 10

Introduction to Ergonomics, 3.0 credits

The module provides a fundamental understanding of human physical and cognitive conditions, needs, and limitations in relation to the design of products, work environments, and other systems. It covers central principles of ergonomics, including load ergonomics, applied anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, anthropometry, cognitive ergonomics, gender, and psychosocial factors. Additionally, basic legislation related to work environment and safety is introduced.

Learning Goals: ELO 7

Design Project, 3.0 credits

In this module, a short investigative group project is carried out with a focus on ergonomic analysis and development, where students apply the design process and various design methods. Among other things, students design and evaluate their design proposals with simple 3D prototypes in a relevant scale. The project work provides students with the opportunity to apply and reflect on the design process, use creative methods, and develop a norm-critical approach.

Learning Goals: ELO 4, ELO 8, ELO 9, ELO 11

Reflection, 1.5 credits

In the final module, the student will reflect on and document their design process in relation to their own learning development. The student collects and organizes their thoughts, ideas, and insights throughout the process.

Learning Goals: ELO 12

Expected learning outcomes

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

Knowledge and Understanding:

(ELO 1) Exemplify a basic creative design process and its methods.

(ELO 2) Explore how biological principles and ecological systems can inspire sustainable design solutions, while examining how design choices affect biological systems, ecology, and the environment.

(ELO 3) Explain fundamental concepts and knowledge for processing machines and processing methods.

(ELO 4) Exemplify the impact of products, production methods, and materials from ecological, social, and economic sustainability perspectives in an investigative process.

(ELO 5) Demonstrate thorough knowledge of safety regulations in the maker spaces.

Competence and Skills: 

(ELO 6) Apply basic work steps in machine processing and manual craftsmanship in maker spaces.

(ELO 7) Demonstrate basic ability to analyze and evaluate cognitive and physical aspects related to the design of products, environments, and systems.

(ELO 8) Apply the basics of design process methods and demonstrate their application from a design perspective.

(ELO 9) Conduct and investigate a problem-based project in a group.

(ELO 10) Explore and create a simple handheld object for ergonomic studies using digital tools.

Judgment and Approach: 

(ELO 11) Relate to, discuss, and argue about ergonomic conditions and dilemmas in the design and use of products and environments.

(ELO 12) Reflect on and document one's own learning about the designer's role in relation to the design process.

Required Knowledge

In addition to general eligibility, admission to the course requires at least 15 credits completed in the Bachelor's Programme in Industrial Design (DGIND), or equivalent and English B/6

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, workshops, reflections, dialogues, possible field studies, 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).

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.