EPN-V2

BAPD1300 Introduction to design - form and designprocess in context Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Introduksjon til design – form og designprosess i kontekst
Study programme
Bachelor's Degree Programme in Product Design
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Curriculum
FALL 2025
Schedule
Course history

Introduction

In this module, students are introduced to both theoretical and practical skills within the field of design. They learn about the iterative design process, which starts with a specific design brief and develops through brainstorming and form exploration via drawing, modelling, and prototyping, ultimately resulting in a finished product. Students become familiar with both digital and analogue methods and tools related to various materials and communication formats. The design process encompasses different approaches and themes, focusing on culture, history and society, users and usage, sustainability, and production. Students work on the design process both individually and in groups.

Required preliminary courses

Admission to the programme.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • can understand and specify the various stages in a design process.
  • is familiar with analytical and experimental methods for the representation, development, and manipulation of form.
  • knows key concepts, issues, processes, tools and methods within the field of design
  • has knowledge of traditions, uniqueness, and the role of design in society.

Skills

The student

  • • masters the principles of:
    • formulating a design brief
    • planning the design process
    • development and construction of prototypes and adapting these according to context and needs
  • knows relevant professional tools, techniques and forms of expression
  • can communicate their work in 2D and 3D formats

Competence

The student is capable of

  • structuring and documenting the design process, alone and as a participant in a group.
  • describing and discussing the design process in relation to historical, social, cultural, diversity and sustainability perspectives
  • critically reflecting on their own choices in the design process
  • is familiar with basic design terminology and can apply this in the design process.

Content

In this module, students are introduced to how a product designer works to develop a concrete product. Through a structured design process with various tools, methods, and processes, students develop understanding, sensitivity, and critical thinking around the design process.

The module is structured around parallel activities, where creativity, collaboration, and effort are central. The main activities include lectures, workshops, reading seminars, tutorials both individually and in groups, as well as presentations.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, workshops, reading seminars, supervisions, and individual and group assignments.

Course requirements

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can take the exam:

  • Participation in a milestone meetings with presentation of the group progress.
  • Exhibition of the group assignment (with Mock-ups models, on final prototype and one poster).

The groups can consist of 4 to 5 students.

Assessment

The examination consists of two parts: a digital part and a physical part.

The individual written digital report should include:

  • Research, documented design process, individual sketches, renderings, and mock-up models.
  • Written reflection on the learning process and results.
  • Length between 20 and 40 A4 pages.
  • Word count between 1500 and 2500.

The physical submission should include the design proposal with sketches, renderings, and mock-up models.

The examination can be appealed.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All aids are permitted as long as rules for citing sources are followed.

Grading scale

Grade scale A-F.

Examiners

Two internal examiners. External examiners are used regularly.

Course contact person

Angeliki Dimaki-Adolfsen