2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PDES3110 Design Project
60 creditsClass Size: 100
Module manager: Mr Dan Trowsdale
Email: D.B.Trowsdale@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
This module is intended to allow students to integrate the creative and technological aspects (learned in this and previous years) of design into a single project.On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. define, execute and report substantive research into an identified subject area.
2. communicate a detailed specification of design requirements using appropriate media, reflecting emerging sociocultural trends.
3. design concept solutions to meet design requirements considering relevant constraints and trade offs.
4. evaluate a number of concept solutions with respect to criteria based upon functionality, usability, psychological aspects, marketing/business elements and contextual/innovative characteristics, through user testing and other techniques.
5. develop at least one concept solution into a detailed design definition including physical and digital models.
6. communicate design ideas by means of sketches and multimedia/design software with an appropriate level of proficiency.
7. create a working prototype of at least one concept solution (or a component part for a more complex product) demonstrating the realisation of functionality, user evaluation aspects, manufacturing considerations and aesthetic design characteristics.
8. demonstrate traceability of design rationale in all elements of the project.
create a project plan and appreciate the constraints and time resources in
managing small projects.
9. identify the project risks associated with a project, predict their likelihood and assess
their potential impact.
10. describe the application of standards and codes of practice in engineering with
special emphasis on health and safety.
11. describe ethical standards and principles and relate them to professional
engineering ethics, responsibility and accountability
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. define, execute and report substantive research into an identified subject area.
2. communicate a detailed specification of design requirements using appropriate media, reflecting emerging sociocultural trends.
3. design concept solutions to meet design requirements considering relevant constraints and trade offs.
4. evaluate a number of concept solutions with respect to criteria based upon functionality, usability, psychological aspects, marketing/business elements and contextual/innovative characteristics, through user testing and other techniques.
5. develop at least one concept solution into a detailed design definition including physical and digital models.
6. communicate design ideas by means of sketches and multimedia/design software with an appropriate level of proficiency.
7. create a working prototype of at least one concept solution (or a component part for a more complex product) demonstrating the realisation of functionality, user evaluation aspects, manufacturing considerations and aesthetic design characteristics.
8. demonstrate traceability of design rationale in all elements of the project.
create a project plan and appreciate the constraints and time resources in
managing small projects.
9. identify the project risks associated with a project, predict their likelihood and assess their potential impact.
10. describe the application of standards and codes of practice in engineering with
special emphasis on health and safety.
11. describe ethical standards and principles and relate them to professional
engineering ethics, responsibility and accountability
12. Communicate commercial considerations, financial issues and risks associated with their project including the implications of intellectual property law and its importance to product design.
Engineering Council Learning Outcomes
SM1i - Knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles underpinning relevant technologies, and their evolution
EA1i - Ability to monitor, interpret and apply the results of analysis and modelling in order to bring about continuous improvement
EA4i - Ability to apply an integrated or systems approach to engineering problems through know-how of the relevant technologies and their application
D1i - Be aware of business, customer and user needs, including considerations such as the wider engineering context, public perception and aesthetics
D2i - Define the problem identifying any constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations; ethical, health, safety, security and risk issues; intellectual property; codes of practice and standards
D3 - Work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain and be aware that this may affect the design
D4i - Apply problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding to create or adapt designs solutions that are fit for purpose including operation, maintenance, reliability etc
D5i - Manage the design process, including cost drivers, and evaluate outcomes
D6 - Communicate their work to technical and non-technical audiences
EL1 - Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and a knowledge of professional codes of conduct
EL2 - Knowledge and understanding of the commercial, economic and social context of engineering processes
EL5 - Awareness of the relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health & safety, contracts, intellectual property rights, product safety and liability issues
EL6i - Awareness of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk
P1i - Knowledge of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (eg operations and management, application and development of technology, etc)
P2i - Understanding of and ability to use relevant materials, equipment, tools, processes, or products
P3i - Knowledge and understanding of workshop and laboratory practice
P4i - Ability to use and apply information from technical literature
P6i - Ability to use appropriate codes of practice and industry standards
P7 - Awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement
G1 - Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities
G2 - Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
G3i - Plan and carry out a personal programme of work
G4i - Exercise personal responsibility, which may be as a team member
Syllabus
Each student will select a project theme and suggest a product concept. This will be agreed and then after some substantive research the will develop a specification of design requirements based upon the details contained within the user evaluation and research findings.
The students must produce a sketchbook containing appropriate design ideas and concept solutions that could fulfil the defined specification. These concept solutions will be evaluated with respect to a number of relevant criteria including aspects such as functionality, usability, psychology, business and other contextual attributes.
Students will be expected to involve third party evaluators, including potential users. The concept solution that best meets the specification should be defined and developed in detail and an exhibition stand created at the end of year degree show.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Group learning | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Lecture | 10 | 2.00 | 20.00 |
| Practical | 6 | 3.00 | 18.00 |
| Seminar | 2 | 3.00 | 6.00 |
| Tutorial | 20 | 0.50 | 10.00 |
| Private study hours | 544.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 56.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600.00 | ||
Private study
Primary research with users and stakeholders.Secondary Research using literature searches, patents searches competitor analysis and other documentation.
Researching problem area and setting brief and design specification.
Concept development
Detail design development, prototype building and testing.
Testing and evaluation of concepts
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
An online discussion board will be monitored during specified times each week.Minerva/TopHat quiz after each topic.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Presentation | Visual Presentation | 10.00 |
| Report | Scoping Report | 15.00 |
| Presentation | Interim Presentation | 15.00 |
| Presentation | Final Presentation, Prototype and Manufacture Report, Exploitation Plan Report | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Final Poster presentation has a viva element which is organised under exam conditions.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 13/11/2023
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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