Designing for Functionality, 12 credits

Contents

The course consists of four modules:

Design Process and Design Methods, 1.5 credits

Students are introduced to the design process, relevant design methods, as well as related methods for analysis and data collection. Students are encouraged to analyze and evaluate design decisions from social, ecological, and economic sustainability perspectives.

Expected learning outcomes: ELO 1

Thematic Week: Biology, Ecology & Environment, 1.5 credits

This module focuses on exploring various ecosystem-related aspects and contexts relevant to the field of design. The module is organized as a theme that spans across the academic years in the bachelor’s programme.

Expected learning outcomes: ELO 2

Workshop Techniques, Production Methods & Sustainability, 4.5 credits

In this module, students are introduced to fundamental knowledge of manufacturing methods, materials, and components, along with practical training in relevant techniques. The focus is on developing skills to independently handle equipment and carry out practical work safely and efficiently. The module also integrates aspects such as work environment, sustainability, and production methods.

Expected learning outcomes: ELO 3, ELO 4, ELO 5, ELO 6

Design Project with Introduction to Ergonomics, 4.5 credits

In this module, students carry out a group project with a focus on ergonomic analysis and development, applying the design process and various design methods. Students design and evaluate their proposals using simple prototypes at an appropriate scale. The project provides opportunities to apply methods, reflect on the design process, use creative approaches, and develop a norm-critical perspective.

The module provides a foundational understanding of human physical and cognitive conditions, needs, and limitations in relation to product design, and addresses both theoretical and applied perspectives in ergonomics, with a focus on human functions and variations from physical, cognitive, and psychosocial perspectives.

In addition, basic legislation related to work environment and safety is introduced. Students reflect on and document their thoughts, ideas, and insights throughout the entire process.

Expected learning outcomes: ELO 7, ELO 8, ELO 9, ELO 10, ELO 11, 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 on ecological, social, and economic sustainability.

(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) Document and reflect on one's own learning and 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).

For students who have received a decision on recommended support due to a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the form of assessment stated in the course syllabus. Any individual adaptation of the form of assessment shall be considered based on the student’s needs and the course’s expected learning outcomes. For more information, see the Procedure for Support for Students with Disabilities and the Rules for Grades and Examination.

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.