BAPD3910 Bachelor Project Course description

The Final Major Project is about demonstrating skills and understanding in the field of design through defining, developing and delivering an innovative design project.

The project is expected to be the result of extensive research and experimentation, and shall be contextualised/positioned in relation to intended users, areas of usage, competitors and the commercial marketplace.

It is expected that candidates demonstrate an awareness of sustainability/environmental issues related to their works.

Successfully completed level one of the programme, and at least 130ECTS. (Or equivalent).

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

Knowledge

The student

• is able to use appropriate methods for collecting and analysing information relevant to their project. (i.e. existing products, competitors, materials, reference literature, production facilities etc.)
• is familiar with and understands financial terms and how marketing methods may be applied to the product design process
• is familiar with subject specific terminology, theory, research and methods, and able to apply these appropriately
• is familiar with, and able to account for ethical and legal issues related to professional contexts, such as the marketplace, intellectual property and data protection
• has a basic knowledge of design- and market communications
• is aware of and understands principals of Universal Design, and able to apply these as and when appropriate

Skills

The student is capable of:

• using creativity and innovative thinking to inform their design process and its outcomes
• analysing market potential and understanding competition
• devising a project plan and timeline and successfully managing their project
• developing a product with an accompanying brand strategy in line with the central research question
• communicating and presenting their project in written and spoken language
• working independently, making informed decisions with regard to experimentation, materiality, aesthetics, form and function.
• describing and utilising suitable materials and production methods
• making use of relevant theory, methods and research
• assessing the need for inclusive solutions, universal design and/or other adaptations and implementing these as required
• referring to persons, sources and references in accordance with academic and legal standards
• contextualizing their work in a sustainability and global societal perspective

Competence

The student:

• can contextualize their work as a designer, and understands how this impacts societal and sustainability issues
• masters processes and methods for developing experimental and innovative design solutions
• can independently run and manage their own project
• is able to exchange views and experiences with other professionals in order to advance their own compentency
• can reflect on their own learning and development and make adjustments in accordance with tutelage

Through the Final Major Project candidates shall conduct, document and present a design project where they take responsibility for their own choices and apply the competency they are expected to have developed during the course of the entire programme. Candidates are expected to further develop their abilities through this work, while showing that they've mastered the design process and evidencing abilities as product designers.

The Final Major Project can be undertaken as a group project or individually.

This is conducted through independent study, workshops, tutorials and milestone meetings.

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

• Preliminary enquiry with a description of project direction

• Detailed project description

• Minimum 80% attendance in lectures, workshops, milestone meetings and tutorials

• Reflective note

• Individual or group delivery of materials for digital catalogue / presentation of project in public context

Portfolio assessment subject to the following requirements:

Part 1 Product

• Product

• Documentation of developed product

• Documentation of the design process including a summary of the project description

• Poster

A temporary grade is awarded for the Final Major Project part 1. Candidates assessed to F grade, (fail), cannot proceed to oral examination. Results for part 1 may be appealed.

Part 2 Oral Examination

• Oral presentation of the the project for assessors (may be open to tutors, students and invited guests).

After the oral presentation (part 2), assesment may be adjusted either up or down by a total of one grade. Results for part 2 may not be appealed.

All supporting aids permitted, subject to references adhering to rules for citation

Grade scale A-F.

The project is assessed by one internal and one external examiner.