BAPD3100 Critical reflection in design practice Course description

In this course, the students will be given an opportunity to delve deeper into one or more areas of design. They will plan and carry out a creative design and development process, preferably with a focus on the users’ needs, wishes and requirements. Critical refleciton and dialogue with the target groups and regular user presentations/tests will be an important part of the work.

This module addresses the practice of design as seen from cultural and social perspectives. The primary focus is on written analysis, discussion and argumentation.

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 capable of carrying out a complex design process with a pertaining specialisation in the design discipline, from an international and sustainable perspective
• knows relevant methods and tools in the chosen design practice
• can systematically explore aesthetics, functionality, material technology and production methods within the chosen design practice
• can do critical reflections in relation to own design practice

Skills

The student is capable of:

• identifying and describing the relevance of a chosen design practice
• demonstrating how users, stakeholders and professional/resource environments can be involved in the project
• mastering digital and analogue tools, such as development, communication and presentation tools
• leading a discussion, through testing, visualisation and presentation of models/prototypes (physical or virtual), that provides and demonstrates deep insight into a chosen design practice

General competence

The student:

• can contribute to critical reflection in a local and global perspective
• is perceived through the project work as an innovative design student who possesses in-depth knowledge in a chosen area
• is capable of building relevant networks
• is capable of communicating with the parties involved such as users and audience
• is capable of sharing own experience and knowledge with other students and taking part in discussions with the design discipline
• is capable of reflecting on his/her own development in the learning process

Two internal examiners. External examiners are used intermittently.

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 capable of analysing the relationships between culture and sustainability from theoretical and societal perspectives
• is capable of discussing and arguing in academic and other professional contexts
• has knowledge of and shows empathy in relation to different cultural paradigms
• has knowledge of aesthetics and these apply in different cultural contexts
• has knowledge of, and insight into the relationship between theoretical perspectives, practical design work and innovation

Skills

The student is capable of

• discussing and relating to theoretical problems
• using aesthetic elements in the development of products in different cultural contexts
• mastering written presentations and argumentation that adheres to professional and academic expectations.

Competence

The student is capable of

• exchanging opinions and experiences with other academics and professionals
• reflecting on and assessing his/her own professional and aesthetic points of view
• reflecting on his/her own development in the learning process and adjusting this under supervision

Lectures and workshops Literature study Individual- and group work Individual and group tutorials

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

• A written assignment emphasising critical reflection and academic argumentation
• Reflective note

Written assignment. Students have the option of collaborating in pairs to develop a shared submission.

The exam result can be appealed.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for referencing are complied with.

Grade scale A-F.