Designing for People, 12 credits

Contents

The course consists of four modules:

Project Preparations, 1.5 credits

Here, the student receives an introduction to user studies, their origins, and current use in design practice. The module includes methods for user studies, observations, and activity analysis, as well as a comprehensive introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods for collecting user data.

Learning Goals: ELO 1

Theme Week: Sociopolitical Issues, Movements, and Contexts, 1.5 credits

The module focuses on exploring societal sociopolitical issues and phenomena relevant to the design field. The module constitutes a theme that spans across the years of the bachelor's program.

Learning Goals: ELO 2

Project Work, 6 credits

Here, the student performs a design project with a real-world context in collaboration with an external partner from industry, the public sector, or a non-profit organization. The student receives training in independently managing complex design-related problems based on real situations. In the project work, the student develop their ability to work creatively with design and to use sketching and modeling techniques in a communicative way. The project is mainly structured according to current design process models.

Learning objectives: ELO 3, ELO 4, ELO 5, ELO 6, ELO 7

Project Communication, 3 credits

In the final module, the student will process the project work to present its process and results both visually and verbally to an interested public, and reflect on what such a result might mean from a sustainability perspective. Here, the student will also reflect on their own learning.

Learning objectives: ELO 6, ELO 8, ELO 9

Expected learning outcomes

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

Knowledge and Understanding:

(ELO 1) Describe the fundamental differences between quantitative and qualitative methods in design.

(ELO 2) Explore how design is influenced by and can contribute to sociopolitical movements and societal development, with a focus on inclusive and ethical perspectives.

Competence and Skills: 

(ELO 3) Apply a creative design process and design-specific techniques and methods in project form in a realistic situation.

(ELO 4) Conduct a problem-based project within given time frames.

(ELO 5) Demonstrate the ability to analyze brand identity and use this in one's own visual work in the project.

(ELO 6) Explore and demonstrate skills in analog and digital tools for the design and communication of design concepts.

Judgment and Approach: 

(ELO 7) Discuss ethical dilemmas that may arise in connection with user studies.

(ELO 8) Reflect on one's ability for design and communication by presenting strengths and areas for development.

(ELO 9) Describe and discuss how product development can be carried out responsibly within sustainability models.

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, field studies, practical exercises, and activities conducted both in groups and individually. Students are encouraged to support each other's learning through exploratory 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.