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Final Major Project

  • Module code: PD6002
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 6
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: PD5001, PD5002, PD5003
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This 'capstone' module allows you to demonstrate your personal design philosophy through both the execution and choice of their major project. Capstone is an application of skills and knowledge, and a reflection on your learning through the course evidenced via the major project. Prior to commencement, you are required to submit a project proposal to be scrutinised and sanctioned by tutors and peer group.

You will consolidate the professional skills you have gained and demonstrate your strategic application through their research, design and development process. The ability to engage in critical debate and present work professionally, both visually and orally, is fundamental.

This module expects you to deliver professional and creative design solutions with a clear narrative. Consultation with academic and industry experts combined with intellectual contextual and sociological drivers should inform their work. This module is a bridge to your future study, work life or career.

Aims

  • To provide an opportunity to develop a comprehensive and significant design proposal through contextual research, analysis and understanding.
  • To provide an opportunity to research and meaningfully engage with relevant external agencies; ultimately establishing a professional network enabling students to communicate and present their work to a professional audience.
  • To express individual specialism, knowledge, innovation, initiative, strengths, interests relevant to a specified audience in the execution of a major design project.
  • To enable students to confidently work in context and realise the potential for the application of design thinking in contexts such as the social, the political and the environmental.
  • To enable students to establish a detailed specification of materials, technologies and processes in relation to a complex design proposal.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate the ability to critically identify, analyse and synthesise specific and appropriate design issues related to personally selected design project.
  • Evidence the appropriate use of external experts, agencies or groups in the thorough exploration, development and resolution of a defined design proposal.
  • Exhibit advanced creative and conceptual ability allied with advanced technical/practical knowledge and understanding.
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and appreciation of the design context within which appropriate conceptual, developmental, practical, technical and user/audience considerations are evidenced.
  • Fully justify choice of materials, processes or methods of production/dissemination in relation to contextual requirements ie commercial,, environmental, political  and social.
  • Demonstrate professional presentation and communication skills and the ability to select the media and technology most appropriate for coherent  and precise communication of a design proposal.

Curriculum content

  • Critical reflection on previous design projects and experiences, leading to a skills/aspirations/knowledge and understanding audit.
  • Researching the social, environmental, commercial and ethical context of design, in conjunction with an understanding of the impact design can make.
  • Application of design empathy in the research, development and realisation of a significant design project.
  • Appropriate incorporation of materials, technologies and processes throughout the development, realisation and presentation.
  • High levels of understanding of the implications and opportunities of context.

Teaching and learning strategy

Independent self-directed study is paramount and individual's work is guided by group seminars and individual tutor guidance in the context of the studio. Students are expected to make arrangements to gain access to relevant resources and technical support as required.  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.

The module will be delivered through studio tutorials, workshops, seminars, lectures, peer reviews, group crits and self-directed study.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Studio practice, workshops, seminars & crits Tutorial reviews 200
Guided independent study 100
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Assessment is through evidence presented at critiques of sustained application, an exploratory attitude and advancing technical knowledge across the full range of project work.

The submission of project work is subject to final assessment at the end of the module when the body of the work will be summatively assessed.

Students are expected to improve and refine work in response to critique and formative feedback/feed forward throughout the module and Level. This provides an ongoing opportunity to improve their position prior to summative assessment at the end of the module.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
Demonstrate the ability to identify and analyse specific issues related to personally selected design project. Assessed through coursework submitted during and at the end of the module.
Evidence the appropriate use of external experts, agencies or groups in the thorough exploration, development and resolution of a defined design proposal. Assessed through coursework submitted during and at the end of the module.
Exhibit advanced creative and conceptual ability allied with advanced technical/practical knowledge and understanding. Assessed through coursework submitted during and at the end of the module.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge and appreciation of the design context within which appropriate conceptual, developmental, practical, technical and user/audience considerations are evidenced. Assessed through coursework submitted during and at the end of the module.
Be able to fully justify choice of materials, processes or methods of production/dissemination in relation to contextual requirements ie commercial, environmental, political and social. Assessed through coursework submitted during and at the end of the module.
Demonstrate professional presentation and communication skills and the ability to select the media and technology most appropriate for coherent and precise communication of a design proposal. Assessed through coursework submitted during and at the end of the module.

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Self-initiated major project 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

Reading recommended according to personal project theme.

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