2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

DESN5153M Design Principles and Applications

10 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Maria Lonsdale
Email: m.lonsdale@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module will review current thinking, research developments and key theories within Design. It will explore the inter-relationship between research, theory and practice. Case studies for each individual theme will be also analysed in order to clearly illustrate how the theoretical concepts and research outcomes inform and are applied in practice. Such an approach will prove extremely valuable in supporting student learning and critical thinking in more practice-focused modules.

Objectives

This module gives students the opportunity to:
- Develop awareness of the theoretical issues and research associated with design and their application to practice.
- Identify different key issues of design and understand the role played by each one in the development of effective design solutions.
- Confidently analyse and discuss how design is researched and how research and theory inform practice.
- Present written and argued perspectives based on theory and research.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have provided evidence of being able to:
1. Identify, interpret and evaluate key aspects of design research, theory and practice.
2. Think independently and demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concepts and their application to practice via case studies.
3. Demonstrate essay writing skills, investigation of secondary sources and appropriate referencing.

Skills outcomes
User-centred research and design

Syllabus

Week 1. Introduction to the module
Week 2. Semiotics and Colour Design
Week 3: Graphic and Visual Communication Design
Week 4. Typographic Design
Week 5. Feedback session
Week 6. Digital and Interactive Design
Week 7. Information Design
Week 8. Branding and Packaging Design
Week 9. Service Design
Week 10. Instructional Design
Week 11: Human-centred Design

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			89.00
Total Contact hours			11.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Each lecture is supported by material that is available on the Blackboard VLE. This material provides links to appropriate journal papers, books, videos and websites. Digital copies of the lectures will be also available on the VLE so that students can follow up in a systematic and structured manner.

To gain confidence to develop and articulate their own ideas, students will engage in private study.

• Literature search and reading: 39 hours
• Independent research and preparation: 20 hours
• Preparation and evaluation of assessed outcomes: 30 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored through:
- Regular attendance at seminars (absences dealt with through the normal School channels).
- One formative feedback session in week 5 regarding their essay plan.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,500-3,000 words – case studies analysis	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The essay plan is a pass or fail element.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 26/04/2017

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