This module develops the student’s practical knowledge of product and interaction design and builds on the student’s knowledge of design for manufacture. The module also introduces the concept of product development as a critical context for design discussion. The emphasis in this module is on the practical application of the theory. The aim of this module is to provide the student with the tools and knowledge to apply innovative and creative thinking within the field of interaction design and design for manufacture. The module also aims to provide knowledge and skills to develop their comprehension of design process and methodology with a view to design as a strategic tool. It also encourages a reasoned and professional approach to the comprehension, analysis and solution of design problems as well as developing the tools and knowledge to communicate advanced design ideas and solutions.
Industrial Design – Design for Manufacture: Application of design process and methodology in the field of design for manufacture. Understanding the critical issues around nature and scale of manufacturing process and consideration of these issues during the design process. Understanding the impact of technology on the management of design.
Interaction Design – User Experience Design: Application of design process and methodology in the field of interaction design. Understanding human-computer interaction design principles and heuristics. Understanding appropriate design research and prototyping methodologies appropriate to interaction and user experience design within product systems.
Product Development: Application of the various stages in the development of new products. Application of ideas from mind to market. Understanding how social, cultural and economic issues influence the development of products.
Creativity and Imagination in Design: Exploration of the application of creativity and imagination in the development of 3-dimensional concepts. The examination of methods and systems which enable creative and imaginative design thinking. Application of a variety of creative thinking techniques.
Design Communications: Application of understanding the importance of communicating design, both in terms of communicating solutions and in terms of communicating messages through appropriate solutions, including PC-based rendering software
