2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN2615 Design Management and Trends

10 creditsClass Size: 95

Module manager: Dr Tang Tang
Email: T.X.Tang@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Module replaces

DESN1610: Design Management 1A

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Designers and business managers mutually share a strategy that is the critical success factor: the ability to approach design decisions from the business viewpoint and transform those ideas into a business reality. It is therefore vital to develop the analytical and practical skills to effectively manage design at both the project and strategic level. To a great extent, there exists a culture and knowledge gap between designers and business managers which often prevents or hinders design initiatives from being proposed, implemented or managed effectively. Design management aims to bridge the gap. It is the integrated combination between the design and management functions of an organization. It blends design skills with strategic management skills to deliver effective and efficient products and services to clients. Today businesses have come to realise that in order to portray themselves to the outside world an integrated approach must be taken. Image is very important to companies and in many instances that image is also a brand that can in some cases be worth more than the business itself; design can help focus the brand and image in a coherent way.

Objectives

The aim of the module is to introduce the concepts of design management within the context of trends in business. The module will also explore how designers can help create a sustainable future by influencing and responding to, consumers, industry and societal dynamics.

Learning outcomes
Students who have successfully completed the module will be able to demonstrate the following:-
- apply some of the broad definitions of design management in a context of trends in business
- an understanding of the key drivers for design now and for the future and the impacts those drivers can have on the design process as it relates to trends-led businesses
- the ability to identify the links between designers’ decision making and potential impacts on business through creativity and innovation
- the ability to assess and critique design management used within different organisations and industries
- an understanding of the interactions between design as strategy, the consumer/market and business.

Syllabus

Through a series of lectures, this module will introduce the perspectives of design, creativity and innovation. Particular attention is given to design, product innovation and development and their contribution to the competitiveness of companies where trends are integral to sustained success. The design policies of both British and global companies are assessed, and the potential of design as a tool for developing competitive strengths is appraised.

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

Background reading of texts provided during lectures and related extensions of the topics of the lecture series. These papers and journal articles will also be available on Minerva.
Case study, individual enquiry dependent upon programme of study within the School of Design (readings and case study materials will be supplied by each of the programme leaders pertinent to the course field of specialism). Determined and supplied by degree programme specialist/programme leader.
Case studies will be an integral part of the lecture programme and these will provide the basis for student’s individual further study. There will a compulsory examination question where the students will use a case study in their disciplinary field of study. The case studies will also be an integral aspect of the case study report component of this module.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored via attendance at lectures, the in-class quiz and formative feedback

Tutorials are available by appointment on an individual or small group basis.

Formative feedback will be provided in in-class quiz in week 7. This feedback is aimed to give immediate results and assist the students in their examination for this module and no point value will be given to the quiz.

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Unseen exam	1 hr 30 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/05/2019

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