COURSE CURRICULUM

In Year 1 (Level 4) of the Product Design program, students begin by mastering the core skills of the discipline. Block 1, "DMU Designer," introduces essential skills like drawing, digital drawing, model making, and both electronic and mechanical engineering, all of which culminate in a portfolio assessment. Block 2, "Advanced Product Design Skills," focuses on the development of visualization, styling, and branding, as well as a deeper understanding of Human-Centered Design, emphasizing how users interact with products. Block 3, "Design Conception – Thinking and Methods," takes students through the first stages of the Design Council’s Double Diamond Design Process, focusing on research, user profiling, and concept generation. The module culminates in a portfolio and report assessment. Block 4, "Design Delivery," covers the later stages of the design process, including proof of principle (POP) rig development, sustainability, and design for manufacture (DFM). It concludes with a portfolio and presentation assessment.In Year 2 (Level 5), the modules build on the foundations laid in the first year, with an emphasis on professional practice and industry readiness. Block 1, "DMU Designer 2," helps students prepare for placements and work experience, while Block 2, "Advanced Product Design Skills 2," deepens the understanding of human-centered design and styling. Block 3, "Design Communication and Definition," focuses on designing manufacturable products using current and future technologies while considering sustainability and commercial viability. Block 4, "Design Practice," allows students to synthesize their skills through a client-pitched brief, providing an opportunity to test project management techniques before their final year.Year 3 (Level 6) allows students to focus on their personal design projects. Block 1, "Design Practice 2," aligns with the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) design briefs, encouraging students to tackle real-world societal challenges. Block 2, "Design Conception – Personal Project," focuses on the development of a product design specification (PDS) for the major project, guiding students through the Discover and Define stages of the design process. Block 3, "Design Development – Personal Project," takes students through the design work necessary to develop a realized product proposal, incorporating techniques like CAD, DFM, and rendering. Finally, Block 4, "Design Delivery – Personal Project," allows students to present their final design at the DMU Art and Design Degree Show, helping them refine their portfolios and prepare for mock interviews as they move toward graduation.