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.
Prime Texts:
OLOFSSON, E and SJÖLÉN, K. (2007)
Design Sketching
, Klippan: Keeos Design Books
CULLEN, CH and HALLER, L. (2004)
Products 2 : 50 real-life projects uncovered
, Gloucester, Mass. : Rockport Publishers
NORMAN, D A. (2013)
The design of everyday things
, Cambridge, Massachusetts : The MIT Press
Other Relevant Texts:
CROSS, N. (2011)
Design thinking : understanding how designers think and work
, Oxford ; New York : Berg
EISSEN, K. & STEUR R. (2011)
Sketching: The Basics
, Amsterdam: Bis Publishers
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PRODUCT DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Dermot.McInerney@ul.ie