BAPD1600 Introduction to Design – Creativity, Aesthetics and the Design Process in Context Course description

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of design, with an emphasis on both theoretical and practical skills related to creativity, aesthetics and the design process in different contexts. Students are introduced to the iterative design process, from idea generation and concept development through form development, modelling and prototyping to the completion of products. The course emphasises a range of creative methods and aesthetic approaches as a basis for developing products and artefacts.

The course combines analogue and digital ways of working, workshops and tools, and gives students experience of experimental and methodical approaches. Throughout the process, there is a focus on cultural, historical, social, sustainability and user-centred perspectives. Students work both individually and in groups with the aim of understanding and applying design methods and principles in practice.

Upon completion of the course, the student will have the following learning outcomes, defined under knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge: The student

• can identify and describe the stages of a design process, from idea development to the finished product.
• is familiar with methods for idea and concept development, form development, product development, creativity and innovation.
• has knowledge of aesthetic strategies related to products and their role in the design process.
• is familiar with concepts, issues, processes, tools and methods within the design discipline.
• has knowledge of the traditions, distinctiveness and societal role of the design field, with emphasis on historical, social, cultural, diversity and sustainability perspectives.

Skills: The student

• can apply principles for developing design briefs, planning design processes and developing prototypes, tailored to context and needs.
• can use analytical and experimental methods for idea development, form development and product development.
• can work confidently with aesthetic and material expression, and can use 2D and 3D media for idea generation, analysis, documentation and the development of concepts and products.
• can source and interpret information and academic material to address design-related issues.
• can document and present development processes and final outcomes.

General competence: The student

• can structure and document design processes, individually and in groups.
• can reflect on the relationship between theory and practice in design, and critically reflect on their own choices and professional practice.
• can describe and discuss design processes in light of historical, social, cultural and sustainability perspectives.
• is familiar with and can use relevant design terminology in their own practice.

Teaching in the course varies between different forms of work:

• Lectures and reading seminars
• Workshops and demonstrations
• Supervision, both individual and group
• Practical tasks and exercises related to idea development, form development, prototyping and product development

Course requirement to be eligible to sit the examination:

• Attendance at one milestone meeting, including a presentation of the work process, ideas, testing and aesthetic choices, individually or in a group.

Examination consists of one overall portfolio assessment, including:

• Documentation of the design process: research, sketches, renderings and prototypes.
• A digital written report of 1,500-2,500 words (approx. 20-40 pages) containing reflection on the work process, aesthetic choices and outcomes.
• A physical submission including the design proposal with relevant models, prototypes and presentation materials.

The portfolio is assessed as a whole, resulting in one overall grade.

The examination grade may be appealed.

All aids are permitted, provided that the rules for referencing are followed.

Students are required to declare whether and how AI (artificial intelligence) has been used to complete their examination submission.

Pass/Fail

Two internal examiners. An external examiner is used regularly.

Wenche Lycke and Angeliki Dimaki Adolfsen

This course overlaps with 10 ECTS credits of BAPD1300 Introduction to Design - Form and the Design Process in Context, and 10 ECTS credits of BAPD1500 Creativity and Aesthetics in Design.