Learning Outcomes

Educational aims

The aim of this diploma is to broaden your design and innovation thinking around your own particular interests by allowing you to:

develop understanding of the processes, principles and issues involved in designing and producing new products
understand the issues and challenges associated with design and realisation.
gain basic skills in applying and managing design processes
understand the role of design and creativity in a contemporary context
generate design ideas, concepts, proposals or solutions independently and/or collaboratively in response to set and open-ended briefs

On completion of this Diploma, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

understand the factors that drive the development of designs and the progression of the design process from conceptual to detailed design
know about and appreciate, the global context of design and designing
understand the characteristics of design thinking and its application to a range of contexts
know about and draw upon the historical, cultural and technical foundations of design and innovation in a range of discipline areas

On completion of this Diploma, you will be able to:

recognise various aspects of the design process using relevant concepts
analyse design solutions in terms of their form and function and the materials and processes used to create them
able to research methods and strategies and use them appropriately to think creative, analytic and reflective ways when discussing design problems and solutions
able to explore and critique the work of other practitioners
appreciate the aesthetic and ethical impacts of design

On completion of this Diploma, you will be able to:

able to move from abstract concepts to detailed design
make models to develop and communicate design ideas and apply methods and tools used by professional designers
be able to engage in debate around design problems and solutions
able to produce a portfolio of work that shows self-directed project work

On completion of this Diploma, you will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

conceptualise and develop design ideas through drawing and modelling and use 2D and 3D representations in the conception, development and communication of designs
respond to critical comments and feedback from others
be independent and self-motivated, and manage your workload to meet deadlines
make appropriate use of online environments and tools in the development of design

Knowledge and understanding

printed and online materials
guided exploration of case study material involving selected products, companies and people
guided development of skills (e.g. drawing skills) through printed and video resources
guided participatory exercises conducted individually and with peers
engagement in studies of potential users and consumers of design
focused design activities
tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) involving written and graphic communication
end-of-module assessments.

Cognitive skills

engagement in practical design activity
the creation of 2D and 3D representations
study of best practice drawn from various design contexts
product analysis using selected examples of design outputs
tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and project involving written and graphic communication
end-of-module assessments.

Key skills

exposure to design problems of increasing complexity
engagement with various stakeholders in design where communication is required
comparisons of strategies with peers and selected examples drawn from professional practice
end-of-module assessments.

Practical and/or professional skills