What will I learn on this module?
You will further develop your awareness of contemporary issues relating to design practice and theory, through a series of lectures and supervised studio activity. The topics covered will include areas of design culture, aesthetic theories, social and environmental issues, technology, and commercial design practice. You will also further develop your knowledge and critical understanding of the concepts, principles and theories informing and influencing professional design contexts.
This module develops professional skills and abilities for you to source, synthesis and present research material to an informed audience.
The module will introduce you to new ways to research design issues, reflect upon and assess your work, and write up your conclusions. As illustration, the syllabus may include the following topics:
Cultural Probes and Design Ethnography;
Stakeholder mapping, participatory action research, co-creative and participatory design practices;
Visualising and presenting research;
Service & Experience Design methods;
Critical & speculative design, & design fiction.
Formulating research questions
Structuring design reports
Bibliography, referencing and style
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, supervised studio activity and independent study. You will be introduced to existing theories and concepts relevant to different professional design contexts, encouraging you to reflect on and critique them. Supervised studio activity will support you to form and articulate your own viewpoints, work independently and engage in group discussions. Taught sessions will use a range of delivery methods and may take place on campus or via online platfoms.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will learn through lectures, supervised studio activity and independent study. Participatory lectures will introduce existing theories and concepts, encouraging you to reflect on and critique them. Set assignments will require you to form and articulate your own viewpoints; you will work on these assignments independently and during self-directed studio sessions. Taught sessions will use a range of delivery methods and may take place on campus or via online platforms.
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?
Knowledge & Understanding:
MK5.9 – Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the concepts, principals and theories informing and influencing professional design contexts.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MI5.9 – Source, synthesis and present research material to develop and communicate a reasoned argument about the future of design to an informed audience.
MI5.10 – Utilise planning skills to outline the scope, purpose and context for a design studies investigation.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MP5.10 – Take personal responsibility for your learning and demonstrate decision-making that considers your future aspirations and learning needs.
How will I be assessed?
Illustrated design report – 3000 words
Pre-requisite(s)
Level 4 Modules
Co-requisite(s)
Professional Design Practice
Module abstract
Building on the knowledge and skills gained under DE5007, you will further develop your awareness of contemporary issues relating to design practice and theory, through a series of lectures and supervised studio activity. This module is focused on helping form your professional design practice by teaching you a variety of innovation methods which you can apply through independent creative research into a topic of your choosing. You might seek to outline a setting for your future practice, or outline new and emerging settings for professional design. You may choose to develop a rich understanding of an area of interest; such as new technology or a social, economic or environmental issue.
As well as developing a critical engagement with theory, the module will cover design research methods – as used in academic and professional design practices. This will be done through a series of workshops that introduce methods and then apply them through practical exercises. Design research is presented as a form of creative practice, where you are encouraged to adapt existing methods in inventive ways suited to the challenge at hand.
The module will also explore how you can present design research in an engaging but credible way as part of a broader research process.
Course info
UCAS Code W240
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria School of Design
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
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