Computer Aided Visualisation

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 1

 This module is an introduction to the fundamentals of computer aided design software and its relevance, limitations and application within the product design industry and the design development process. This module is in three parts and covers three software programmes:- Adobe Photoshop, Adobe In-Design and Solidworks.

Introduction to the basic tools, techniques and operations will be given as a starting point to master each programme, you will then practice the skills they have learned by being introduced to a hands-on project(s), the results of which will be presented and assessed at the end of each introductory topic.

Creative Design in Context

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1

The module provides an introduction to the design process and techniques that will be useful throughout your studies. It also places product design as a subject in context historically with industry. A series of methods are also introduced to augment and enhance creativity. A discussion about design issues is undertaken together with the primary design movements and more broadly against political and social change.

Topics covered will include:

• An overview of product design as a discipline
• Key concepts and how these relate to the degree structure
• Successful design case histories
• Interpretations of the design process
• An introduction to drawing and relevant methods for designing
• The significance of aesthetics and understanding cultural trends
• Design history and the primary design movements from an aesthetic, cultural and political perspective.
• Design classics: what makes a classic design?
• Creative methods.

Human Factors & Design for Society

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 1

This module provides a foundation of principles for human centred design that will be relevant throughout your degree programme. Initially there is a focus on physical considerations, including a study of human limits for inclusive design. Later on people's behaviour is considered and how design can help to address significant issues for society. We also consider contemporary adaptations that embrace social factors, including consumer behaviour and a services approach to design. Finally we adopt a global perspective and understand more about society in developing countries and how design can help to address concerns.

Topics will include:

• introduction to human factors

• ergonomics

• anthropometrics

• the senses

• mock ups to evaluate ergonomic principles

• designing a handheld object: anthropometrics, anatomy and physiology of the hand

• consumer behaviour

• inclusive design

• design for a sustainable society

• cradle to cradle approaches

• taking a systems approach to design

• research methods for understanding lifestyle and context of use

• global issues and design concerns.

Materials and Manufacture

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1

This module provides the basis for the selection and use of materials in the product design industry. It will use a consistent philosophy for how typical Product Designers in industry consider material selection. This will therefore consider the association with other common production partnerships when designing and developing a commercial product, which relates to material selection.

Introduction to Materials:
Principal characteristics and applications of plastics, metals, composites and ceramics. Plus the consideration for new 'Smart' materials. Understanding the need for development and extended use of environmentally friendly ecological materials. Carrying out analysis of current and new developments to date in the areas of environmental and ecological materials.

Introduction to the Mechanics of Materials
Material properties: density; tensile strength; yield strength, proof stress, Young's modulus; ductility; toughness, endurance limit; glass transition temperature; specific heat; thermal conductivity; temperature limits.

Introduction to the Behaviour of Materials under Load
Failure mechanisms: fast fracture and fatigue. Creep, crack growth and corrosion. Material design stress and strain, including an introduction to factors of safety.

Selection of Materials:
Basic calculation methodology for the identification of material capability and suitability related to Product Design.

Mathematics for Product Design

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1

This module will cover topics including:

Numbers
Basic number theory, dimensions, units, constants, ratios, bases, powers and logarithms, imaginary numbers, functions.

Algebra
Manipulation of equations, simultaneous and quadratic equations, common factors and denominators, simple iteration, matrix algebra.

Geometry
Area and volume of common shapes, trigonometric functions, Pythagoras, angles, simple plane geometry (intersecting lines, properties of circles, triangles etc.), vectors.

Graphs
2-D representation of data in Cartesian and polar coordinate systems, logarithmic scales, bar charts, gradients and rates of change, area under the curve and Simpson's Rule, curve fitting.

Statistics
Average, median, mode, standard deviation, the normal distribution and Student's T distribution.

Calculus
Simple differentiation and integration of functions of a single variable and (crucially) relating it to graphical and physical information.

Principles of Engineering Design

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 1

Statics
Forces, equilibrium and stability. In particular: analysis of (statically determinate) frameworks, mechanical advantage, friction, buckling, beam bending and torsion in a shaft.

Dynamics
Distance, velocity and acceleration, simple vibration.

Thermodynamics
Thermal properties of solids, liquids and gases. Gas laws, equivalence of work and heat (1st Law), Introduction to thermodynamic cycle analysis.

Simple DC Circuits
Ohm's and Kirchoff's laws, formation of equivalent circuits.

AC Circuits
Waveforms and current and voltage in AC circuits, capacitance, inductance and the concept of reactance, introduction to 3 phase AC.

Electronics
Diodes, transistors, characteristics of amplifiers (gain, frequency response and feedback).

Electromagnetics
Simple relations of electromagnetic theory, applications to electrical machines.

Product Design for the 21st Century

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1

This module is about giving students a broad overview, understanding and appreciation of the multi-disciplinary nature of product design. It will be an introduction to the degrees core profession and cover the fundamental skills and abilities needed in product design.

It will also allow students to reflect and evaluate product design as a practice and will include practitioners' professional insights. Topics covered will include:

What is a product designer?
Different product design genres
Case studies
Skill sets
Presentation skills
Physical and online portfolios
Communication
Report writing and referencing
Layout and graphics

Visual Communication

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 1

The aim of this module is to help develop a wide range of transferable art and design skills, techniques and processes. It introduces design methods and encourages originality, independent thinking and critical reflection. The module provides an opportunity to expand skills in visual research, experimentation, the exploration of ideas and design layout. It consists of short individual and group project assignments that will enhance creativity and develop the imagination. Project solutions are presented for critique and feedback in class, providing essential guidance before the final portfolio and visual research books are submitted for assessment.

Design and Manufacturing Processes

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2

Introduction to 2D and 3D CAD.
Manufacture: instruction in machining workshop processes. Instruction on either a lathe or milling machine, understanding feeds and speeds, operation, parting off, surface finish, tool selection, cutting fluids/coolant. Drilling/tapping, correct drilling operation, speed, drill size for selected tap diameter. Measuring, correct use of measuring tools, QA, inspection of completed components. Vacuum forming, foam machining. techniques. General principles of manufacture with ceramic, polymers, metals and composites. Principles of Rapid Prototyping. Engine investigation. Health and Safety related issues to above. Correct Machine-shop working practice, personal safety/protection, consideration of peer safety. Machine guarding, working environment

Design for Industry

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 2

This module reflects the international nature of product design by optimising skills needed for a full understanding of the holistic industrial, technical and product design processes with their associated specifications. This includes techniques to catalyse product design, including how to locate sources of inspiration for genuine product innovation and the external influencing factors that help govern and create a successful concept.

The module will provide an overview of key design process stages for new design concept development. Subjects include historical and designer appreciation, industrial production techniques, 2D, and 3D presentation skills. In addition, there is a consistent emphasis throughout the module on appreciating the user and market contexts whilst designing for commercial and industrial customers. The module involves a series of seminars including the above that will enhance your ability to develop and present a design concept taken from an initial group project brief. The group brief will ideally be associated with an industrial partner and include an interim group visual and verbal presentation, as well as a final individual design portfolio-report presentation. All the above will extend your personal professional development, final year project awareness and later career preparedness. Where possible a related design visit will be included.

Design Prototyping

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 2

This module includes an appreciation for and use of typical prototyping methods, including practices and equipment used and expected for the design and development of successful product design concepts. In addition, there is a broader appreciation and knowledge for the various types and ranges of materials and technologies available for product component and prototype production. This incorporates an understanding for the distinct properties within certain groups of materials and their relative properties for use within product design development and model creation. The module content and associated project finally result in the physical creation and presentation of a full-sized, three-dimensional functioning model and associated concept promotional stand. This is representative of the product concept initiated and developed earlier and throughout the second year.

Design Techniques and Integration

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2

The module provides methods for managing and coping with the risks in modern design development and production, including design for uncertainty. This includes an understanding for the main empathic and intuitive (non-systematic), design methods to further inspire and develop design thoughts and subsequent potential concepts. There is appreciation for the relevance and importance of the Product Design Specification (PDS), with an understanding for how it changes during a typical product design development process.

In addition, there is an introduction to the design process in industry, with the related importance of good planning and scheduling for successful product design development. This includes the values and relevance of using two and three-dimensional sketch concept work, along with other typical design development techniques used within the product design process as a whole. Subjects also include; the use of two and three-dimensional Computer Aided Design (CAD) for application to the associated and underlying year-long project design brief. This will complement an introduction to modern Rapid Prototyping (RP) and Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) methods of product creation. The module content and associated project brief includes the presentation for potential design concepts that will be taken to the eventual physical creation and presentation of a full-sized, three-dimensional functioning model. This is associated with the product concept designed and developed throughout the second year.

Interaction Design 1

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2

The Interaction Design module continues through both terms. The theme as a whole is about achieving the best possible fit between people and products; intellectually, physically and emotionally.

Interaction Design I begins with an understanding of physical aspects of anthropometrics, our relative strengths and capabilities, our physiology and our anatomy. As the course proceeds we focus on tools that offer a greater understanding of user needs and about our cognitive needs. There is an emphasis on methods that analyse and test ergonomic assumptions.

Content includes:
Further ergonomics: anthropometrics, an analysis of shape, and physical parameters,
Application of forces; different abilities and strengths.
Empathy Tools
User Requirements analysis
Personas
Cultural Probes and User Research methods
Scenarios
Usability
User Testing and Analysis

Interaction Design 2

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 2

Professional and Managerial Skills

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 2

This module covers the technical communication, project and financial management skills, and the understanding of the importance of ethics, required of professional engineers. In addition, it encourages a holistic view of the engineering degree programme and how it fits the graduate for their future career. Teaching and learning methods include; specialist lectures on technical communication and careers planning, supported by Study Direct resources and online exercises; lectures and workshops leading to a management group project based on a computer based simulation; and lectures and seminars based around case studies on the application of ethical principles. Topics covered include;
Technical reports and presentations
Project planning and management
Gantt charts
Financial management and control, cost management, application to projects
Financial models and return on investment
Risk management
Professional ethics
Health and safety
Preparing CVs, Career development

Toy and Game Design

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2

Toy and Game Design involves the design and prototyping of a toy or game. The module covers each stage of the design process and provides an opportunity to expand skills in the areas of research, experimentation, exploration, visualisation, evaluation, communication and presentation. It introduces further design methods and encourages originality, independent thinking and critical reflection. This results in a portfolio of work showing a visual representation of how the final concept was achieved, a prototype of the toy or game, a short video (sizzle), packaging and graphic material to enhance the final presentation.

Business and Project Management

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

This module addresses wider business and project management issues that affect the technological and engineering environment. Some of these issues include: principles of strategic management, project management and planning, the business environment, auditing and control, organisational structure, business legislation, resource management, global markets and supply, and forecasting.

Design for Manufacture

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

This module presents the detailed aspects of the design process including marketing, specification, conceptualisation, embodiment, manufacture and sales. This involves study and practice of: the practicalities of specification, concept generation, concept selection, detailed design, tolerancing, manufacture methods, process capability, types of production and project planning. Skills in machine element selection and design are developed by undertaking a substantial design project. Emphasis is placed on robust design, product development cycle and the design of components to international standards. This module will also involve: group working and project management; CAD, solid modelling, use of CAD tools; problem based learning; and design reviews.

Design Philosophy

15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3

Design philosophy is about developing an understanding of how designers think and work. The focus is on revealing what designers do during the activity of designing and on building an understanding of the nature of design ability. You will gain insight into past design movements, what it means to be a designer, how designers employ creative thinking skills and what is known about different aspects of design ability and its development, from novice student to expert professional.

The module aims to give a deeper understanding of the nature of design thinking, and will give commentary and advice and provide the opportunity for you to initiate and develop you own research in relation to their design practice and thinking, aiding them to better understand - and perhaps also to question - the things they do in their work life, and why they do them.

This will result in a series of essays, which together will culminate in a sustained piece of research.

Design Project

60 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3

Year 3 individual projects are designed to give you a taste of real-life design practice in which you must develop your skills in product design and realisation and interact with skilled people across a range of specialisms. The work must be completed within budget, using available resources, by an agreed deadline, and then presented to an audience not necessarily familiar with the work you have done. Projects are designed to expose you to issues of project management, resourcing, planning, scheduling, documentation, and communication. This may involve different types of activity such as: marketing, specification, concept development, detailed design, build, development, testing, and research. A good project will demand varying degrees of creative thinking, analysis and implementation.

Principles of Eco-Design

15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3

This module introduces sustainability, and the ways designers can influence the impact of product development and engineering on the  environment.  Topics will be introduced through a series of seminars, including activities and discussions to aid understanding. There will be an emphasis on the responsibilities of the designer during the current product development process, encouraging them to be socially responsible decision-makers. You will be enouraged to think critically, and actively participate in policy formation to engineer a sustainable future within a global economy. 

Case studies will be included to allow theoretical ideas to be related to real projects and concerns. Local examples will be presented alongside illustrations of the impact of social and economic transformations on people, technology and ecology in the Tropics. Where possible, guest speakers will be invited to provide insight into a range of scenarios and the view of different stakeholders for design work.  

You will be encouraged to think independently, through your own investigations for a research report. You will also focus on communicating your findings, using web site design as a medium for dissipating ideas.  Subject areas covered will include: an introduction to environmental issues; ecotourism; renewable energy and power creation on a miccro/ macro scale; energy reduction for products; sustainable communties; deforestation and habitat reduction; recycling and materials; marketing eco brands; and eco-chique and style related to the environment.