2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

ODES5310M Design Project

45 creditsClass Size: 45

Module manager: Dr Dian Li
Email: texdl@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Jan to 30 Jun (6mth)(adv yr), 1 Mar to 31 Aug (6mth)(adv yr), 1 May to 31 Oct (6mth)(adv yr), 1 Nov to 30 Apr (6mth)(adv yr) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students are required to meet the programme entry requirements prior to studying the module.

Students are expected to have completed all taught modules prior to undertaking the Project module. However, in specific circumstances student may be eligible to undertake the Project module before completion of all taught modules to prevent lengthy delays to programme completion.

Pre-requisites

ODES5210M	Digital Design Practice and Communication
ODES5211M	Data, Analytics and Design
ODES5212M	Human Centred Design
ODES5215M	Applied Design, Communication and Case Studies

Module replaces

N/A

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This Research Project module provides an opportunity for students to develop, evaluate and present a design project independently, using the case study approach, on a topic of relevance to the programme. Through a case study investigation, this module builds on students’ knowledge and strengthens their independent research, creative application, and practical digital design and communication skills. The module will allow each student to choose a subject area, propose a topic and a project plan, and then apply the knowledge, skills, and creativity acquired previously to develop their projects to a high level, followed by an evaluation. Learning will be monitored at different stages. Initially, students will analyse their strengths, weaknesses, and skill sets to choose a suitable subject area. This will help to allocate students to appropriate supervisors. Following further research, each student must propose a topic, a precise research aim and a project plan. After developing and presenting initial findings and design drafts, students will receive feedback, before then continuing on to produce and evaluate their project, and eventually report the project in writing. Upon completion of the module, students will have created design outputs, developed them professionally and evaluated them. Students will produce two elements for the module: (1) a high-quality portfolio showcasing their design work and (2) a dissertation, discussing the project’s related design issues and its planning, execution, and evaluation. Students can choose to undertake a practice-focused or research-focused project. All students will produce both the portfolio and the dissertation. However, depending on the choice of project there will be a different weighting for the assessment. This module builds on the teaching provided in the programme's development modules and should be undertaken following carousel two.

Objectives

This module gives students the opportunity to:

1. Develop a design project for application to real-life contexts.
2. Evaluate and assess design outputs in real-world situations with suitable users.
3. Transform into a well-round creative designer/ researcher with strong research/ creative capabilities.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate creative skills in identifying and realising a design project and developing a design solution derived from logical analysis.
2. Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills .
3. Apply appropriate conceptual, practical and research tools and methods to support the project evaluation.
4. Critically examine findings and design issues related to the project.
5. Demonstrate project management skills (e.g., planning, working to deadlines and producing deliverables).

Syllabus

Indicative content for this module includes:

- identification and scoping a topic
- planning a project
- project development and management
- prototyping and evaluation
- presentation of creative projects
- reporting design research

This case study is self-directed and will be supported by a series of learning materials and small group supervisory sessions. The aim is to provide guidance and supervision to guide the design project and the report's structure. Students must manage their time and proactively work with their supervisors during the project. They need to provide drafts of work to their supervisors during the project's development to facilitate the supervision process and receive feedback on progress, content and quality.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
On-line Learning	7	1.00	7.00
Tutorials	1	0.50	0.50
Group learning	3	2.00	6.00
Independent online learning hours			24.00
Private study hours			412.50
Total Contact hours			13.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			450.00

Private study

This module is supported by online learning materials that students could plan their own time to follow up (24 hours). Materials include links to appropriate journal papers, books, videos and websites.

To gain confidence to develop and articulate their own ideas, students will engage in private study (412.5 hours).
- Independent research: 122 hours
- Project development and evaluation: 160 hours
- Preparation and evaluation of assessed outcomes: 130.5 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Online learning materials will provide regular opportunities for students to check their understanding, and there will be small group supervisory meetings with a programme team member. Regular group activity embedded into learning will allow self and peer assessment, providing opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors.

Students will submit a poster presentation in week two, including SWOT and initial research to identify a subject area. Formative feedback will be provided in weeks two and three to confirm their subject area choice and allocate each student with a supervisor.

Every student will submit a project plan to the supervisor listing the project aim, objectives, methods and considerations for project management by week six. Supervisors will respond to the plans and provide formative feedback by week eight.

Students need to show their supervisors drafts of work during the project's development, and they will receive feedback during three small group supervision meetings.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Dissertation (see below)	100.00
Poster Presentation	SWOT Analysis	0.00
Project	Project Plan	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Summative assignments: The assessment allows either a practice-focused or research-focused Project to be completed. For both options, students submit a Portfolio and a Dissertation. The weighting is as follows: Option 1: Practice-focused Portfolio 70%, Dissertation 30% Option 2: Research-focused Portfolio 30%, Dissertation 70% For students undertaking the practice-focused route, they will produce a high-quality Portfolio (minimum 12 pages ) and a dissertation of 3,000-4,500 words For student undertaking the research-focused route, they will produce a Portfolio (minimum 6 pages ) and a dissertation of 9,000-12,000 words. Re-sit – must be of a new case study not previously submitted. Formative assignments: Week 2: poster presentation-including SWOT and initial research to identify a subject area. Week 6: project plan - proposal include aims, objectives, methods, project management

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 05/08/2024

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