Engineering and design

Integrated Product Design: Research, Theory and Practice

Module code: H1031
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

Today’s world is facing unprecedented changes: the environment, demography, resources and economics. This module will provide you with the latest research tools in design thinking to empower you to face these challenges.

You will think critically about the challenges our world is facing from a designer perspective. You will be able to reflect upon past design philosophies, explore and exercise the most recent tools and strategies, and apply them in various projects.

You will find an inclusive learning environment where everyone’s participation is welcome regardless of their background. Your participation in this module will contribute to dismantle physical and mental barriers by devising better interactive products.

The tools, strategies and outcomes will help you underpinning your future thinking as a designer. They will guide you throughout your career and will help you to think inclusively when designing for others.

To foster the information and skills learned in previous years and in other modules, you will work on a dedicated creative interactive project, which will enable you to apply your understanding, specify a specific problem and come up with creative design solutions.

Module learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of interaction design principles through the development of an interactive project and clear articulation of the interaction between the user and the product or system.
  • Apply research methods to inform the appropriate application and approaches to developing, designing and analysing interaction with products or systems.
  • Synthesize evaluation techniques and methods of product or system through user testing analysis to identify appropriate viability.
  • Create an interaction design concept for a specific problem and context, through evidence-based research to inform the design, appropriate research and analytical techniques and user test with appropriate prototyping techniques.