BAPD2100 Human Factors and Function - Product and Methods Course description

Design should seek to embrace a human-centred approach in order to create something new - where everything down to the very last detail is all worked out in order to afford greater value to its users. In this module we focus on users and user contexts, and how to translate needs, so that these help to inform the actual functionalities of user-experience. The module takes particular interest in sustainability issues as well as design for inclusivity.

Students must have passed the courses BAPD1100, BAPD1020 and BAPD1300 or equivalent.

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

• is knowledgeable of core principal pertaining to design for inclusivity; user/human-centred design, user-involvement and co-creating.
• is familiar with central theories and principles of sustainable design

The student is familiar with design methodology, including

• user-centred product design
• divergent and convergent thinking
• methods of analysing needs and problem areas related to the use of products and systems, including the concept of user insight
• using different model types through the design process (principle, function and mock-up prototypes)

Skills

The student

• is capable of planning and carrying out a design process
• is capable of further developing skills in model building and idea realisation
• is familiar with 3D modelling, documentation and presentation, and the use of materials databases and scientific searches

• is capable of defining problems and developing solution proposals with a high degree of user involvement
• is capable of acquiring knowledge and experience by identifying and extracting the essence of research/analysis material
• masters construction, model building and surface treatment
• is capable of building on knowledge and understanding of materials and material properties, as well as production and industrial processes

Competence

The student

• understands and has practical experience of dealing with the interaction between the user, environment and product in a design process
• is capable of exchanging opinions and experience with different resource persons and professional environments to promote professional development
• is capable of reflecting on his/her own development in the learning process and adjusting it under supervision
• can describe and discuss ethical challenges at the intersection of design, technology and society, including issues of integration, participation and multiculturalism

The student will acquire an understanding of and insight into different design methods that are relevant in specific design processes.

Relevant issues will be related to

• function and human user aspects
• user-oriented design and ergonomics
• elucidating the physical, psychological and social dimensions of a user perspective
• practising and experiencing theory and design methodology in different design processes

Project work individually or in groups.

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

• Submission of presentation material and participation in three (3) milestone meetings.
• Reflection notes.

Portfolio assessment individual or group, with the following requirements:

1. Module report, between 20 and 50 A4 pages consisting of:

• Project description
• Documentation of design process with rationale for all important influential decisions
• Presentation of final outcomes

2. Product models / prototypes that evidence testing, inquiry, development and solutions

3. Individual component independent of any group work. This can be both practical and/or theoretical. It is expected that this should equates to approximately 10-20% of the overall work within the module. A provisional grade is awarded for parts 1 and 2. Upon assessment of part 3, the provisional result may be adjusted up or down by one grade, thus establishing the final result.

All components of the module need to be passed, (grade E or above) in order to pass the final examination. Final results may be appealed.

All.

Grade scale A-F.

Two internal examiners. External examiners are used regularly.