Explorations of Form and Material 12 credits

About the course

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