SIW4301 Philosophy of Social Science Course description

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.

Admission to the programme.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Grade scale A-F.

Two internal examiners. External examiners are used regularly.

Angeliki Dimaki-Adolfsen