Masterstudium i produktdesign – design for kompleksitet Programplan

In this master's program you will be challenged to take a role as a facilitator and designer, and sometimes even as a project leader, developing strategies, services, systems and product solutions. The skills, knowledge and insight you will attain during this study are regarded valuable in private and public sector within product, service and systems design, as well as design Research.  

We do not seek to explain what design is neither from a practical, theoretical, or idealistic point of view; rather we recognize that our society and environment represent complex networks of relations. 

To design for the shift towards sustainable societies, increased populations, digitalization of professional, social and private life, demands thus professional designers that can comprehend and visualize the grand picture, define scopes for work, and develop solutions in relation to different strategic levels.

On successful completion of this program, students are able to design for complexity. The complexity relates to the social/political, environmental, economic and technological contexts in which the designer as well as the product and service that they create, will perform and influence. 

The programme leads to the Master's degree in Product Design

Who is this program for?

This education is for you who want to contribute to ongoing national and international design research projects, connected to institutions and industry.

During the study, you will be involved in design processes that are synthesized from the research front in design for complexity, culture, and aesthetics in contexts along with beautiful international and Norwegian students and staff.

On successful completion of this program, students are able to design for complexity. The complexity relates to the social/political, environmental, economic and technological contexts in which the designer as well as the product and service that they create, will perform and influence. 

Complexity of nature, people, and industry and society

The design methods that you will explore society and environment through are therefore linked to complexity, and in extension systems theory and design. Thus, the Design in Complexity program offers courses that provide you with tools, methodology and new perspectives towards problem solving, innovation, as well as research. The Design in Complexity education offers the opportunity to practice analytical and research dimensions of design. Design Research, products and services can serve as catalysts for change in human behaviour, security, sustainability, perceived meaning, and quality of life. System-oriented approaches are specifically developed to recognize and handle such connections. Skills in handling these approaches gives insight to work on various strategic levels. You will be able to processes comprehensible amount of data, contexts and people in complex situations which may relate to market mechanisms, health and social services, elicitation of engagement and experiences, circular economy and the closing of material loops, as well as designing for sustainable living - in both local and global perspectives.

Designers for the future contexts - Mission oriented design 

The goals of governments, international corporations and society in a broader context, are increasingly in line with the UN Sustainability Goals and the Paris Agreement. The EU strategy report on research (2018) expresses the need of mission-oriented approaches towards new knowledge and solutions.

By mission-oriented research, EU asks for solutions that solve essential problems causing global trends. The Design in Complexity master program will introduce to you these contexts and trends where you may explore connected tools and themes of research, as well as building your own identity and qualities as a designer, and thus be prepared for the next decades. You will be challenged to seek your mission and orient yourself along these tasks, both in an industrial context as well as for organizations and public institutions.

This education is for you who want to contribute to ongoing national and international design research projects, connected to institutions and industry. During the study, you will be involved in design processes that are synthesized from the research front in design for complexity, culture, and aesthetics in contexts along with beautiful international and Norwegian students and staff.

Admission requirements for the Master`s Degree Program in Product Design. Requirements are determined by the general regulation for master`s degree at OsloMet. In order to be admitted you need to have finalized a bachelor's degree which must include:  

• in-depth design study or education equivalent to at least 80 ECTS or 
• an integrated design program of at least 120 ECTS  
• A portfolio that documents of your design skills and experience, through a carefully selection of your own design work. Please include a short text that explains the project.  
• and lastly a letter that describes your motivation for applying the master program Design in Complexity. Your letter of motivation must also include your choice of specialization. 

The two latter documentations, will be assessed by an academic committee at Department of Product Design, which will evaluate the candidates academic level within product and service design indimensions such as data gathering, design theory, process documentation, visualization, experience with materials and processing/production techniques.Ranking of applicants is based on this asessment only.

For more information about admission requirements, please see: 

https://www.oslomet.no/en/study/tkd/product-design-master

Applicants with foreign qualifications  

Applicants with foreign qualifications compete for places with applicants with Norwegian qualifications on equal terms, providing the foreign qualification is comparable to the Norwegian qualification. Applicants from outside Norway, Sweden or Denmark must be able to document sufficient skills in written and spoken English. The language skill requirements are listed on:

https://www.oslomet.no/en/study/admission/english-proficiency-requirements-masters

Language skill requirements  

For admission to a masters degree program students must fulfill the requirements in the GSU-list (can be found on the website).  

(Please refer to the learning outcomes for each course for a more detailed information.)

On successful completion of this programme, you will have attained the following knowledge, skills, and general competence on advanced level that again prepares you for a professional life within design and research in the field of product design in complexity.

Knowledge:

• in the understanding and adjusting of practice- and scientific originated methods for designing
• critically analyse and apply relevant theory and research methods from other disciplines in design contexts 
• in understanding, performing, evaluating, and adjusting own design processes in complex contexts 
• about the broad spectrum of methodology that comes with product and service design in complexity in general and in depth knowledge within area of interests
• critically analyse, apply, and evaluate communication, sustainability, culture, change, and aesthetics as part of design contexts

Skills:

• in design for complex contexts
• synthesizing relevant theory from other disciplines for application, altering, and creating design methods
• in the practice and application of methods and theory particularly associated with the discipline of Design in Complexity and Systems oriented Design (GIGA-mapping, systems oriented design, co-creational methods, foresight, workshop facilitation, data gathering and analysis, leverage points, blueprinting/service design documentation/visualizations, visual interviewing, design- and play probes, among others which vary with your main emphasis) 
• develop innovative design solutions for society by applying accumulated knowledge from the research front, theory, experiments, and practice
• critically analyse the role of design and design for various contexts on a strategic and global level
• communicate, facilitate, and manage design processes in complex settings 
• performing and evaluating own design processes in relation to communication, culture and aesthetics in complex contexts

General competence

The complexity in this education relates to the societal/political, environmental, economic and technological contexts in which the designer as well as the product and service that they create, will perform and influence. To perform in this context your general competence will consist of the following outcomes:

• design self-efficacy for complex contexts
• management and facilitatation of projects and processes for design in complexity
• critically reflect on the design role in analytic and development settings for public and private sector
• able to work throughout interdisciplinary processes with other professionals as well as lay-people
• qualified to enter PhD studies in product design for complexity

The Master's Degree in Product Design - Design in Complexity runs for two years (60 ECTS per academic year) and is divided into several courses. The program is organized as a full-time study. All courses except from the Master's Project (30 ECTS) have a value between 10 and 20 ECTS. You may choose between the courses Technology and Design (MAPD5000) and Aesthetics of Materiality (MAPD5300), all other courses are compulsory in order to complete the Master Design in Complexity.

Practical Training (MAPDPRA)

In this (12 week) course you have the opportunity to find a internship that is relevant for your study. We aim to offer practical training positions through our network of institutions and businesses. However, most students find their own placements for this course (in Norway or internationally).

Courses

First and second semester :

In the courses: Sustainable Design Approaches (MAPD4100) and Philosophy of Science and Design Research (MAPD4000) you will be able to achieve a foundation for the study of complexity specific theory and methods in the later courses. Design and Culture (MAPD4210) broadens the context of design into cultural and social contexts. Design for Experience (MAPD4300) introduce methods for designing for agency, affordance and experiences. MAPDPRA is the Practical training course where you have the chance to expand the knowledge and skills attained during the master study in the context of an internship.

Third and fourth semester:

In the course; Visualizing Complexity (MAPD5210), you will attain skills and knowledge in designing for complexity in systems and products through systems oriented design, emergence, and co-creation. Technology and Design (MAPD5000) and Aesthetics of Materiality (MAPD5300) are elective courses. In MAPD5000 you can explore the vast and rapid development of technology as a dimension in design and MAPD5300 challenges students to experiment with materials in specific contexts.

All the prior courses add up to the final Master's Project (MAPD5900), in which you will be able to study an area in depth, in cooperation with private or public sector.

Emnet skal gi studenter innsikt i hvordan teamprosesser kan være effektive og hensiktsmessige. Gjennom en praktisk tilnærming får studentene inngående kunnskap om under hvilke forhold og hvorfor team vil kunne være mer effektive enn individer. Sammen med en praktisk tilnærming vil emnet også gi studenter innsikt i relevante, kontemporære teorier og forskningsfunn. Studentene skal være i stand til å analysere, diskutere og reflektere om komplekse problemstillinger knyttet til samarbeid og beslutningstaking i grupper og team.

Ingen forkunnskapskrav.

Studenten skal etter å ha fullført emnet ha følgende totale læringsutbytte definert i kunnskap, ferdigheter og generell kompetanse:

Kunnskap

Studenten har

• omfattende kunnskap om relevante teorier relatert til team
• solid forståelse knyttet til hvordan team etableres og utformes i ulike situasjoner
• inngående kunnskap om psykologiske prosesser i team
• spesialisert kunnskap om teorier relatert til teameffektivitet og beslutningstaking i grupper og team
• avansert kunnskap om omstendigheter som hindrer eller øker gruppeeffektivitet og prestasjoner

Ferdigheter

Studenten skal kunne

• ha en bevisst forståelse av hvordan effektive teamprosesser foregår
• anvende forskningsbaserte teorier om team i egen praksis
• reflektere om egen atferd i gruppearbeid

Generell kompetanse

Studenten kan

• analysere og håndtere gjennomføring av effektive teamprosesser
• beherske fagområdets uttrykksformer
• reflektere og lære fra erfaringer med teamarbeid

Studentene skal jobbe aktivt i grupper for å oppleve gruppedynamikken og for å kunne reflektere over egen atferd i gruppesammenheng. Undervisningsformen vil veksle mellom digitale læringsformer, undervisningsmøter, studentpresentasjoner og casediskusjoner, og suppleres med bruk av digitale ressurser.

Provisions governing examinations are laid down in the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet . The form of assessments will be approved/not approved for compulsory assignments, and Pass/Fail for the exam in the MAPD Practical Placement or in the other exams a graded scale from A (highest) to F (lowest) where A to E is a pass grade and F is a fail grade. The grade achieved in each course will be stated on the diploma.

Assessment methods vary between courses. They include written reports, oral presentations, physical models, prototypes, videos, portfolio assessments and oral examinations.

A portfolio assessment provides an overall assessment awarding one grade for the whole portfolio. Students may only appeal against the determination of the examination grade awarded for the whole portfolio.

If the portfolio consists of elements such as an oral presentation, practical work etc., the examination result cannot be appealed against. The right to appeal is stated in the individual course descriptions.

If the examination in a course consists of more than one part, all parts of the examination must be passed in order to pass the course.

A portfolio assessment provides an overall assessment awarding one grade for the whole portfolio. Students may only appeal against the determination of the examination grade awarded for the whole portfolio.

If the portfolio consists of elements such as an oral presentation, practical work etc., the examination result cannot be appealed against. The right to appeal is stated in the individual course descriptions.

If the examination in a course consists of more than one part, all parts of the examination must be passed in order to pass the course.

If the portfolio consists of elements such as an oral presentation, practical work etc., the examination result cannot be appealed against. The right to appeal is stated in the individual course descriptions.

Normally each course has two internal examiners to assess students' work. Each semester one course will be chosen to include an external examiner, thus the students' work will be assessed by one external and one internal examiner.

The Master's thesis is assessed by the one external examiner and one internal examiner, the supervisor is not a part of the grade setting in the master thesis.

For å kunne framstille seg til eksamen må studenten ha følgende godkjente arbeidskrav:

• Arbeidskrav 1: Deltakelse på spesifikke aktiviteter knyttet til gruppeoppstart og dynamikk som skal gjennomføres for å knytte teori fra emne opp mot å gjøre praktiske erfaringer.
• Arbeidskrav 2: To gruppeinnleveringer med et omfang hver på tilsvarende 1500 ord.

Arbeidskravene må være gjennomført og godkjent innen fastlagt frist for at studenten skal kunne framstille seg til eksamen. Dersom et eller flere arbeidskrav ikke blir godkjent, gis det anledning til å kunne levere en forbedret versjon en gang innen angitt frist.