DE5018 - 3D Design: CAD and Communication

What will I learn on this module?

This module develops your skills in CAD and graphics software, and your knowledge of how to communicate both the technical specification and aesthetic qualities of your three-dimensional design work. You will learn how to create technical drawings appropriate for the manufacture of furniture and products, and how to present development work, product photography and computer generated imagery to the highest professional standards.

Taught by specialist tutors in the context of furniture and product design practice, your knowledge of CAD software will be appropriate to the specific requirements of this industry. You will learn how to deliver well-resolved, accurate and dimensioned technical drawings according to industry standards, such that manufacturers would be able to easily interpret and realise your designs.

Understanding how best to present your 3D design work via print and online, using an engaging and appropriate aesthetic is a valuable skill for design professionals. Through learning industry-standard graphics software, having access to photography studio space, equipment and technical support, and developing your understanding of graphic design practice you will learn how to deliver high-quality presentations.

How will I learn on this module?

3D Design: CAD and Communication is delivered via taught timetabled sessions and exercises set throughout the module. Formative feedback from tutors will help to guide your learning and development throughout. Summative assessment will be based on a collation of work created through the module. Feedback at the end of the module will guide you to continue to apply and develop your CAD and Communication learning in subsequent design practice modules.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be taught by specialist tutors in timetabled computer lab sessions. This contact time provides the opportunity for you to receive on-going tutor and peer feedback and to use the views of others in the development or enhancement of your work. This is also an opportunity to clarify issues and discuss assessment criteria.
Tutor Guided Independent Learning/Student Independent Learning time will enable you to make constructive use of feedback received in class, and to take responsibility to direct your own learning needs outside of the timetabled sessions. Such learning may include a range of activities such as; contextual reading to build your awareness of graphic design conventions and aesthetics, developing your software skills and techniques; photographic practice etc. The formal formative assessment points in the module provide you with a means to prioritise and structure this learning and promote personal responsibility in managing your workload. Formative assessment also provides you with the opportunity to apply feedback and improve your competencies before your final summative assessment.

The module has a specific virtual learning environment (eLearning Portal) which acts as resource where you can access all the relevant documentation including module briefs and guides, taught session notes/guides/exercises, presentations and assessment requirements. The digital submission of aspects of work for tutorial guidance and formative assessment allows for expedient communication and the effective review of work whilst also utilising industry standard practices.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

? Evidence your knowledge of technical drawing and professional presentation standards.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

? Evidence your ability to generate and finesse sophisticated technical drawings to the standards expected in professional furniture and product design work.
? Evidence your ability to effectively use visual communication software in the presentation of design work.

Personal Value Attributes

? Demonstrate employability and industrially relevant skills via the ability to present work professionally and communicate the technical specifications of artefacts to others

How will I be assessed?

Both the CAD and Communication elements of the module consist of exercises and assignments throughout the module. These activities are formatively assessed as part of the teaching of the module.

Summative assessment of the module is via the submission of two components, which ask you to collate the work created throughout:

? Portfolio 1 will be submitted at the end of block 1 (50%)
? Portfolio 2 will be submitted at the end of block 2 (50%)

Feedback is written and delivered via tutorial review at the end of the module.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module develops your skills in CAD and graphics software, and your knowledge of how to communicate both the technical specification and aesthetic qualities of your three-dimensional design work to a standard expected in professional design practice. You will learn how to create technical drawings appropriate for the manufacture of furniture and products, and how to present development work, product photography and computer generated imagery to the highest professional standards.

Course info

UCAS Code W266

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria School of Design

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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