Module Code - Title:

PD4124 - CONTEMPORARY DESIGN CULTURE

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

1

Lab

3

Tutorial

0

Other

0

Private

6

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

• To allow students to place their design practice in an international, cultural and historical context. • To develop critical and reflective skills on current practices in design. • To introduce contemporary trends, concepts and philosophies. • To familiarise students with the language of Design. • To encourage students to look critically and objectively at contemporary (as well as historical) design and begin to develop an individual design philosophy. • To introduce a wide range of professional experts from design and related industries. • To foster real links with the design world through site visits and relevant field trips (both nationally and internationally). • To encourage debate and discussion amongst students.

Syllabus:

Design Appreciation. History of Design. Critical Design. Emerging Design disciplines. Contemporary theories. New philosophies. Design Sociology & Psychology. Cutting-edge technologies and materials. Forecasting. Trends. Design Styles. Appreciation of design related fields (Fine Art, Cinema, Sculpture, Architecture etc.). Design Futures. Speculative Design. Collaboration and Interdisciplinary work.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

• To give the students a context for design in contemporary culture and appreciation of their place in a multidisciplinary design community. • The students will demonstrate an ability to debate and discuss design styles, trends, philosophies and future directions.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

• The students will develop an understanding of and appreciation for design in the world of product development. • Contextualise their individual design process within contemporary and historical practice. • Articulate their design philosophy and design process through a variety of current digital platforms.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

The module will include expert lectures and workshops, field trips, industry visits, exhibitions, and debates.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Other Relevant Texts:

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Spring

Module Leader:

muireann.mcmahon@ul.ie