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Design Fundamentals

  • Module code: PD4001
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 4
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module introduces the student to the fundamental 2D and 3D design skills and tools necessary to successfully develop, communicate and represent ideas and concepts to themselves, their peers and the outside world in a variety of media. The application of free-hand drawing and rendering techniques are explored in relation to points within the process of product and furniture design and development. Additionally simple 3D model making methods and presentation techniques are introduced to enhance the students' ability to communicate ideas effectively. The subjective nature of design is investigated through form development exercises in which the outcomes are reflected on in relation to visual language and perception.

Aims

  • To develop two- and three-dimensional visualizing skills.
  • To develop methods for communicating conceptual and practical ideas.
  • To develop practical studio skills within good health and safety working methods.
  • To establish the studio context as a working and interactive environment.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Communicate 2D and 3D product and furniture ideas clearly and appropriately through a variety of media.
  • Demonstrate the successful application of practical studio skills within the context of design projects.
  • Demonstrate the use of a range of 2D and 3D media in the presentation and visualisation of design projects.
  • Demonstrate an appreciation for the studio environment and a studio culture as essential to peer learning and successful cohort working.

Curriculum content

  • The introduction of studio practice and culture as relates to design.
  • Developing design ideas into concepts through making and drawing.
  • Developing sketch models through to completed finished models.
  • Developing an understanding of materials and their manipulation – paper, card, foam, wood, metal and plastics.
  • Freehand drawing and quick sketching techniques to presentation and rendering boards.
  • One and two point perspective, orthographic projection, industry standard conventions in measurement.
  • Visual awareness supported by basic digital photography and capture.

Teaching and learning strategy

Teaching will be delivered through a series of studio and workshop-based assignments and exercises with the emphasis on introducing skills and creative techniques in a practical manner. 

The module will make use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Canvas for communication and dissemination of information between students and staff as well as making online learning materials available to all. Students should check this site on a daily basis for module information, timetables, sign-ups, updates and additional information and teaching materials following individual project sessions.

All courses based in the Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on Business and Management skills. Some of these are embedded in the curriculum and offer additional self-paced learning, others may be taken at will by students wishing to broaden their employability skills in other areas.

Projects set within the module will allow and encourage experimentation and demonstration of the practical and theoretical application of this learning. Design projects, studio-based teaching and workshop-based teaching which include the following:

  • Talks, seminars and group discussions; drawing methods and exercises
  • Workshops and demonstrations
  • Group tutorials; skills development and application

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Guided studio and workshop project work Progress reviews/crits/group tutorials 200
Guided independent study 100
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Projects, exercises and development work are formatively assessed with feedback and feed forward provided in crits and project reviews throughout the module. Work will be submitted and summatively assessed at the end of the module.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1. Communicate 2D and 3D product and furniture ideas clearly and appropriately through a variety of media. Formatively assessed through project reviews and crits throughout the module. Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module.
2. Demonstrate the successful application of practical studio skills within the context of design projects. Formatively assessed through project reviews and crits throughout the module. Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module
3. Demonstrate the use of a range of 2D & 3D media in the presentation and visualisation of design projects. Formatively assessed through project reviews and crits throughout the module. Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module
4. Demonstrate an appreciation for the studio environment and a studio culture as essential to peer learning and successful cohort working. Formatively assessed through project reviews and crits throughout the module. Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Studio projects Coursework 100%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS a requirement that the element of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Ching, F     (2007)  Architecture: Form, Space and Order  (3rev.ed.)  John Wiley & Sons

Ching, F.    (1997)  Design drawing. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Lefteri, C.   (2006)  Materials for inspirational design.  Mies: Hove: Rotovision.

Powell, D.   (1995)  Presentation techniques. London: Little, Brown.

Wake, W.   (2000)  Design paradigms. New York:  John Wiley & Sons.

Bibliography recommended reading

Special features:  Exhibition and site visits, as appropriate. 

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