COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of this product design course, students are introduced to a broad foundation of skills and concepts, preparing them for the more specialized modules in the second and third years. Core modules such as Design Exploration, Design Visualisation, and Design Enquiry focus on hands-on experimentation, digital design skills, and research-based design, providing students with a solid understanding of how to develop product concepts and understand design theory. The Design Reflection module encourages critical thinking and self-reflection, helping students assess their progress and career plans. In the Design Context module, students address real-world issues in their design projects, learning how to make their work functional and feasible. The year culminates in the Design Experience module, where students collaborate on a comprehensive project that showcases their learning so far.In the second year, the focus shifts to refining technical, professional, and global skills, as students continue to develop their design knowledge. Key modules such as Visual Language, Design in Practice, and Research-informed Design challenge students to innovate within constraints and use research to inform their design decisions. The Professional Development: Product Design module helps students build a portfolio for future career opportunities, while Design for Manufacture and Product Development modules provide deeper insights into material selection and prototyping.In the final year, students work on a substantial major project, divided into several stages. The Final Major Project: Definition module helps students define a design opportunity, while the Research module guides them through in-depth investigations. The Ideation module encourages the development of distinct design proposals, and the Resolution module allows students to refine and optimise their concepts for production, ensuring they are ready for sustainable volume manufacturing. This progression through the course equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the professional world of product design.