CD7010 - Contextualise and Critique

You will learn through a series of set briefs underpinned by 3 curriculum strands.

The module consists of three interwoven strands which underpin the activities across your master’s journey: Context, Methods and Practice.

In the Context strand, you will learn how to think critically about new and emerging technology by viewing it in the context of contemporary and emerging issues and debates in the broad field of disciplines that constitute communication design. Examples of content include: design and data, design futures and design for immersive environments. You will also be introduced to methods and approaches used in other areas of design such as co-design, participation methods, design fiction and critical design that overlap and are complementary to more common Communication Design practices.

In the Methods strand, you will learn how traditional design thinking and skills can be combined with emerging methods of inquiry. You will learn about some of the latest approaches and techniques that are forging new ground in Communication Design.

In the Practice strand, you will explore your practice through a series of design briefs informed by new and emerging design themes and challenges. You will learn to work productively with your tutors and peers, respond creatively to difficult challenges, and start defining an area of interest that will inform your self-initiated project.

The programme leader, the module tutors and your project advisor all play a role in guiding you throughout the programme.

You will be supported through online and live in-class support-sessions by tutors with relevant expertise in communication design or related subject and are either experienced practitioners, researchers or practitioner-researchers. Further academic support is provided via e-Learning tools, such as discussion groups, blogs and wikis. Additional contact with tutors may be available during office hours by arrangement.

Additional support is provided through the English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP) module where English is not your first language.

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)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Demonstrate an understanding and a critical awareness of emerging and near-future design issues which inform design practice.
• Demonstrate a critical and reflective practice that recognises one's own learning and development journey.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Intellectually engage in a personal line of inquiry that demonstrates critical thinking and creative judgement that situates work in contemporary practice.
• Present a portfolio of professional practice capabilities and articulate the focus and detail of design value in a variety of situations.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Possess a professional and scholarly awareness of the social responsibilities of the designer.

This module will be 100% summatively assessed at the end of the module through a portfolio submission and a critical reflection. Where possible, it will be digital submission through the eLearning Portal.

1. An annotated portfolio and media kit of visual evidence documenting the process and outcomes of the practical briefs. (KU1, IPSA2, IPSA6, PVA3)
2. A 1500 words critical reflection on what you have learnt from semester one and propose how this might inform your future situated practice. (KU4)

You will receive feedback in one to one and/or group sessions, and at interim and final presentations. Formative assessment will be provided through tutor guided independent learning or formal presentations. Summative assessment will be written, giving a marks breakdown of how the submission met the five individual learning outcomes.

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This module is designed to introduce you to a range of design processes and research skills, supported by critical theory and design contexts. Your briefs will explore varying industry-relevant design directions like exhibition design, data visualisation or user research.

Core theories will be expanded on within briefs such as cross-cultural design, more-than-human design and thinking through things. These approaches will help you to stretch your practice in a meaningful, critical and socially relevant manner. It will help you to consider where to situate your practice and position yourself ethically as a socially aware designer. It will also build your skills and confidence in a range of methods, approaches and practices such as user research, narrative storytelling, and visual communication design. You will learn through a combination of practical classes and workshops, with additional support provided by peer feedback and group working. The module will provide you with the foundation blocks to take on intellectual and practical challenges in the following modules.