Module Code - Title:
PD4112
-
DESIGN SKILLS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
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 skills, design methods, and design history.
Syllabus:
This module comprises three complimentary stream: design skills, design methods, and design history.
Design skills include; an introduction to design skills, an introduction to sketching and rendering skills, principles of orthographic technical drawing and perspective line-work, 3D spatial awareness, an introduction to low fidelity prototyping model making skills, communication (verbal and visual), fundamentals of presentation techniques and graphic layout.
Design methods include; an introduction to design processes, design brief analysis, creative thinking techniques, ideation methods, basic user research, concept development, design representation (2D & 3D), understanding and construction product form.
Design history includes; an overview of industrial design in the context of social and economic conditions (from ancient civilisations to the contemporary practice). Discussion and debate on contemporary and historical design trends.
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 understanding of orthographic technical drawing. Demonstrate problem-solving skills as appropriate to a product designer. Write clearly laid-out, properly referenced, well-structured and formatted essays.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Demonstrate proficiency in sketching and rendering skills. Demonstrate an ability to build and create in 3d.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is taught in a design studio-based environment where students can explore and implement the methods and skills introduced in the module. Formal interactions will comprise of lectures, workshops, peer learning, small-group discussions and debate.
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.
BERTLING, T. & ROBERSTON S. (2013)
How To Draw
, United States: DesignStudio Press.
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
BRAMSTONE, D. (2009)
Basics Product Design 01: Idea Searching
, Lausanne: AVA Academia
EDWARDS, B. (1993)
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
, London:Harper Collins
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSDMDEUFA - DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Dermot.McInerney@ul.ie