WM9PU-15 Design Practice & Prototyping
Introductory description
As part of the product development process, it is important to develop a ‘proof of concept’ or a ‘Minimum Viable Product’. This crucial step secures development funds and engagement in usability testing to refine/optimise a product offering. Design principles such as UX design can be deployed to support meeting user needs, as well a technical design skill in producing products which can be made with available technology. The successful merging of creative and technical skills allows the output of products which customers/end user want, and which businesses can economically produce.
Module aims
This module aims to develop the student's ability to deploy User Experience design principles as well as Design for Excellence (such as Design for Manufacture) approaches to allow the production of prototypes as part of the product development process. Students will develop a prototype based on user requirements, available production means and evaluate the prototypes success against pre-defined parameters of their own design. Students will therefore not only develop their ability to design products for function but experience the key aspects of feasibility and production challenges in the manufacturing process.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Principles of user experience design,
User-centred design process,
Usability testing,
Waterfall and agile development,
Visual design principles,
Wireframes and prototypes,
Material design,
CAD/CAM
Building prototype development
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of technical and creative design principles and approaches.
- Critically evaluate the capabilities of various means of production and materials to be able to match suitability of design and project requirements .
- Demonstrate execution of design process from conceptual idea to a producible artefact of design through use appropriate tools and techniques .
- Critically evaluate the performance of a design artefact to identify means of optimisation
Indicative reading list
TBC
Subject specific skills
Design Process, Visualisation, 3D Modelling, CAD/CAM, Technical Communication, Testing and Optimisation.
Transferable skills
Problem Solving, Technical Communication (verbal & written), Digital Literacy, Complying with statutory and organisational safety requirements.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 6 sessions of 1 hour (12%) |
| Tutorials | 12 sessions of 1 hour (24%) |
| Practical classes | 6 sessions of 1 hour (12%) |
| Supervised practical classes | 6 sessions of 1 hour (12%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 20 sessions of 1 hour (40%) |
| Total | 50 hours |
Private study description
Directed by a module study guide issued at the start of the module. This will direct students to relevant learning activities, including flipped classroom activities, with indicative time allocations for each.
Costs
| Category | Description | Funded by | Cost to student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other |
Workshop consumables (3D print filament, wood, adhesives etc..) |
Department | £0.00 |
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Design Proposal | 25% | 15 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Students to produce a design proposal in response to module assignment prompt. |
|||
| Design Development Project | 50% | 30 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Students to conduct design develop process in response to module assignment prompt |
|||
| Design Review | 25% | 15 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Students to conduct design review of solution artefact |
|||
Assessment group R
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Design Proposal | 25% | 15 hours | No |
| Design Development Project | 50% | 30 hours | No |
| Design Review | 25% | 15 hours | No |
Feedback on assessment
- Verbal feedback given during module sessions
- Written individual formative feedback on the assignment
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.