2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
DESN5171M Design Theory and Practice
30 creditsClass Size: 250
Module manager: Dr Elif Sener
Email: e.sener@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Module replaces
DESN5152M and DESN5153MThis module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module explores the way designers and companies think about and approach design projects. This will be done through theoretical concepts, literature review, and design practice. The module is divided in three main sections: 1) a theory-focused section; 2) a practice-focused section; 3) a digital execution section.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.
- Analyse and discuss how design is researched and how research and theory inform practice.
- Present written and argued perspectives based on theory and research.
- Explore and identify the different stages of intervention in the design process.
- Learn various design concepts, methods, tools and skills to help in the application of creative and design thinking.
- Understand the application of design thinking and creativity via case studies and practical activities (short briefs)
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 in design and their application to design practice.
3. Demonstrate essay writing skills, investigation of secondary sources and appropriate referencing.
4. Write critically about design choices made and design solutions given to a particular problem or need.
5. Engage and respond creatively to short set design briefs.
6. Understand and master design concepts, methods, tools and skills and apply them to design projects.
7. Present design solutions effectively
Syllabus
In the theory-focused section, this module will review current thinking, research developments and key theories and principles 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.
In the practice-focused section, students will be given a series of short exploratory design briefs focusing on the main specialisms offered in the programme. This will allow students to: 1) explore different areas of design before deciding the theme for their specialist design project; 2) create an opportunity for students to apply theoretical concepts and learn by doing, exploring and experimenting in a wide range of design areas.
In the Digital execution section, students will explore current digital design practice and techniques that enable them to execute their design outputs to a professional level. The key emphasis will be on the digital production and evaluation skills for print, web, interactive, video, and mobile design practice, including: bitmap and vector graphics production, page design and layout toolset, motion graphics and visual effects, as well as designing interactions
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lectures | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
Practicals | 10 | 5.00 | 50.00 |
Private study hours | 239.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 61.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 |
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored through:- Regular attendance at lectures and practical classes (absences dealt with through the normal School channels).
- Participation in lectures and practical classes.
- Feedback will be given in every class from week 2 to 10. Two feedback-only sessions will be held for feedback before submission.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Portfolio | Portfolio compromising a 2,500-3,000 word report and 4 design outputs (design development and solution for 4 briefs) | 80.00 |
Project | Design solution for 1 brief and a 500-750 word report | 20.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
The re-sit will be the portfolio but including all 5 briefs.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 13/02/2024
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD