The module aims to introduce students to the concept of intelligent making as it relates to the creative and appropriate use and application of materials, technologies and manufacturing processes. Emphasis is placed upon direct experimentation and investigation of materials, technologies and processes and the development of conceptual yet practical design outcomes informed through an understanding and awareness of the affecting factors of batch production. The module also seeks to introduce the concept of prototyping as an industry standard method for presenting fully resolved objects and artefacts in context prior to industrial or batch manufacture.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through studio-based projects and workshops, together with seminars, subject-specific talks and guest lectures. These will be linked to group tutorials and tutor-led group discussion throughout. 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.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Guided studio and workshop project work Progress reviews/crits/tutorials | 250 |
| Guided independent study | 50 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
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. Usually one or two individual design projects presented in an appropriate format.
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.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate an advanced practical understanding of key materials, technologies and manufacturing processes in context. | Formatively assessed through project reviews and crits throughout the module. Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module. |
| Evidence a comprehensive understanding of digital and traditional workshop facilities and materials. | Formatively assessed through project reviews and crits throughout the module. Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module. |
| Confidently select and use appropriate iterative design methods to develop and realise appropriate practical design solutions. | Formatively assessed through project reviews and crits throughout the module. Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module. |
| Present fully resolved working prototypes, which demonstrate knowledge and understanding of materiality, technology and manufacturing in context. | Formatively assessed through project reviews and crits throughout the module. Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Studio projects | Coursework | 100% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS a requirement that the element of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Terstiege, G. (2009). The Making of Design: From the First Model to the Final Product. Birkhauser.
Heath, A. (2000). 300 Years of Industrial Design. A & C Black Publishers Ltd
Thompson, R. (2007). Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals. Thames & Hudson.
Thompson, R. (2011). Prototyping and Low-volume Production (The Manufacturing Guides). Thames & Hudson.
Lefteri, C. (2007). Making It: Manufacturing Techniques for Product Design. Laurence King.
Hudson, J. (2008). Process: 50 Product Designs from Concept to Manufacture. Laurence King.
Antonelli, P. (1995). Mutant materials in contemporary design. New York: Museum of Modern Art.
Beylerian, G and Osbourne, J. (2001) Mondo materials: materials and ideas for the future. New York: Overlook Press.
Industrial Designers Society of America. (2003) Design secrets: products: 50 real-life projects uncovered. Gloucester, MA: Rockport Publishers.
Haller, L and Cullen C. (2006) Design secrets: products: 50 real-life projects uncovered: v.2. Gloucester, MA: Rockport Publishers.
Norman, D. (2004) Emotional design: why we love (or hate) everyday things. New York: Basic Books
Ulrich, K. 2007. Product design and development. Singapore: McGraw-Hill
www.designaddict.com, www.dezeen.com, www.designboom.com,
Journals : Icon, Blueprint, Frame, Domus, Abitare, Axis, ID