Design Methods Week 1 Assessment and References

Course Overview

• The course aims to provide students with techniques and methods of thinking and research in design, applicable to various design problems.
• It covers graphic, product, media, environmental, and service and social design.

Learning Outcomes

• Appreciation of design's scope, variety, and cultural and economic significance.
• Understanding of design's "world-shaping" impact.
• Ability to undertake designing as a structured and iterative process.
• Ability to integrate critical and creative thinking.
• Skills in problem finding and definition, design methods, and research skills.
• Practice in group work, time and task management.

Course Structure

• The course consists of lectures, tutorials, and assignments.
• Assessment includes exams and assignments.
• Research fields include sustainability, AI, green architecture, nano technology, climate change, and waste management.

Weekly Activities

• Lectures and tutorials every week.
• Assignments and research on a selected topic every week.
• Preparation for a final project.

Research Fields

• Sustainability
• AI
• Green architecture
• Nano technology in design
• Climate change
• Waste management

Design Methods

• Diagramming
• Story-boarding
• Mind-mapping
• Modelling
• Prototyping
• Basic design research skills, including direct observation, interviewing, and data analysis.

Course Assessment

• Coursework: sketch/notebook and weekly assessment (25%)
• Group project (25%)
• Mid-term exam (10%)
• Final exam (40%)

References

• Various texts and books, including Co-Creation Cards, Universal Methods of Design, and The Design Way.