Design Thinking

Module Provider: Typography
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
An introduction to the ideas and discussions that surround and underpin contemporary design practice.

Aims:
This module aims to introduce students to contemporary issues in design by encouraging critical reading and discussion, and to inform their designing by broadening their view of what constitutes design as a professional activity. The module reinforces the Department's view of design as a rational, evidence-based activity and aims to educate typographic designers to be literate and able to think for themselves.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students should be able to:
- identify and describe key concepts in design theory and history
- respond critically to texts on design
- evaluate the relevance and validity of research studies and other writing
- make connections between theory, history, and practice
- assemble and organise material and articulate clearly and concisely in oral and written forms

Additional outcomes:
Outline content:
Each delivery of the module will typically contain four themes. Example themes include:
- frameworks for analysing design
- the use of history in design
- the development of the role of the designer
- understanding and accommodating the user
- critical writing on design
- sustainability and inclusivity in design

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module is divided into topics, typically four. Each topic typically consists of two plenary sessions (50-minute lectures or workshops), and a 120-minute seminar with individual short seminar papers.

Contact hours:
Lectures- 6
Seminars- 4
Guided independent study- 90
Total hours by term- 100
Total hours for module- 200

Summative assessment methods:
Written assignments including essay- 100%

Other information on summative assessment:
Students will prepare one fifteen-minute seminar presentation, with a paper up to 2500 words in either the Autumn or Spring term (50% of the module mark). They will write one essay of approximately 2500 words (50% of the module mark).

Formative assessment methods:

Length of examination:
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Any individual item of coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of not less than 40%, otherwise it must be resubmitted by an August/September date to be notified.