Module Code - Title:
PD4101
-
DESIGN STUDIO 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To introduce the fundamental skills and cognitive processes of product design and to lay the foundations for subsequent Design Studio modules. These will be taught under the following headings: Design Methods, Design Techniques and Design History.
Syllabus:
This module comprises three complimentary streams, which are further developed in Design Studio 2 (semester 2):
• Introduction to Design Methods
• Introduction to Design Techniques
• Introduction to Design History
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, it is expected that students will be able to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and methods involved in the design process.
• Apply creative thinking techniques to design projects by producing alternative solutions for proposed designs.
• Demonstrate proficiency in drawing, illustration and rendering skills and orthographic technical drawing.
• Demonstrate an ability to build and create in 3d. Apply the basic principles of ergonomics to design projects.
• Research design in contemporary and historical contexts.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, it is expected that students will be able to:
• Present the impact of design in contemporary and historical contexts.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, it is expected that students will be able to:
• Demonstrate proficiency with hand skills such as sketching, and basic 3D modelling.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught in a studio-based environment with project based learning at the core. The module comprises of three elements - Design Methods, Design Techniques, & Design History. Learning outcomes are engaged with through fun project based projects.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
EISSEN, K. & STEUR R. (2011)
Sketching: The Basics
, Amsterdam: Bis Publishers
OLOFSSON, E and SJÖLÉN, K. (2007)
Design Sketching, 3rd ed.
, Klippan: Keeos Design Books
MORRIS, R. (2009)
The Fundamentals of Product Design
, Singapore: AVA Publishing.
Other Relevant Texts:
THOMPSON, R. (2007)
Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals
, London:
ThamesHudson.
LEFTERI, C. (2007)
Making it, Manufacturing Techniques for Product Designers
, London: Laurence King
POWELL, D. (2001)
Presentation Techniques
, London: Little, Brown and Company
PHEASANT, S.G. (1986)
Bodyspace
, London: Taylor and Francis
()
How Things Work, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.
, St. Albans: Granada Publishing Co.
GOSLETT, D. (1978)
The Professional Practice of Design, 2nd ed.
, London: Batsford.
EDWARDS, B. (1993)
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
, London:Harper Collins.
BRAMSTONE, D. (2009)
Basics Product Design 01: Idea Searching,
, Lausanne: AVA
Academia
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Dermot.McInerney@ul.ie