Aims and Fit of Module

Building on the teaching and learning of previous Studio: Design Practice modules, this two-semester studio module aims to offer students a context in which to develop a proposal for a fully developed design project. Through interaction with one or more supervisors, students will complete the problem analysis, design research, conceptualization, design development, and design production.


In the first semester there is an emphasis on design research, problem formulation, and conceptualization. In the second semester there is an emphasis on design iteration, production, prototyping, testing, and evaluation . Students are encouraged to develop design projects based on their interests and professional goals explored in previous modules. It is expected that students will intergrate and reflect all knowledge, insights, and skills gained while studying on the programme, and to position themselves in relation to career goals and next steps.

Learning outcomes

A. Use appropriate academic and first hand research to identify an existing design problem or product need.

B. Cultivate and deploy user / stakeholder feedback to refine the research questions and proposals .

C. Develop a plausible design solution to the proposed research problem demonstrating a complete design process.

D. Use appropriate prototyping and testing methods to establish visual, functional, usability and manufacturing parameters.

E. Describe and reflect upon decision-making, outcomes, product specification and 'solutions' in the form of a professional report.

Method of teaching and learning

The approach of this module as with other Studio: Design Practice modules will be PBL (Project Based Learning). The main difference in this module is that the project is more independently student-directed, under the close guidance of an academic staff member (supervisor) who is individually assigned. Semester one will comprise briefings and scene setting for the whole module.


Semester two will be a combination of individual weekly tutorials and feedback. Students will also need to present their work to peers at key points. Students will choose where they work. It is anticipated that they will work mostly in the year 4 studio and dedicated workshops in ES and DB with key equipment, material resources and technician support. Activities will be driven by the module personal supervisor and additional academic staff.