Masterstudium i produktdesign – design for kompleksitet Programplan

Our master's programme provides the students with a strategic, interdisciplinary foundation to explore design's changing role across private and public sector within product, service and systems design, as well as design research. It equips them with essential skills to address complex challenges and foster innovation through a combination of theory and practical experience.

To design for the shift towards sustainable societies, digitalisation of professional, social and private life, professional designers need to constantly adapt and learn. Through the integration of Product, Service, Systems, Experience, Interaction and Social Design, our programme prepares designers to lead meaningful change across industries, social sectors and policy.

On successful completion of this master’s programme, students are able to critically design for complex contexts. 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 sets out to admit applicants from the fields of design, architecture, engineering, fine arts, graphic design, marketing, and more. The programme considers design to explore complex issues faced by individuals, industries, and society. The Master´s Degree Programme in Product Design offers the tools and methods to elicit new thoughts, initiate social and cultural change and meet environmental issues.

The programme is aimed at students who want to develop their own projects and/or contribute to ongoing national and international design research projects, connected to institutions and industry. During their studies, they will be involved in design processes that are synthesised from the research front in design for complexity, culture, aesthetics and health in contexts alongside international and Norwegian students and staff.

On successful completion of this program, students will be 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.

All applicants must provide the following to our admissions department:

• a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• an average grade of at least C (according to the ECTS grading scale) on your bachelor's degree.

You also need one of the following:

• English from a Norwegian or Nordic upper secondary school and a bachelor’s degree from Norway or the Nordic countries.
• At least 4 in English from upper secondary school.
• proof of your English proficiency

In addition, the three tracks have individual requirements:

To apply to Product Design and Culture we require:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent, including at least 80 ECTS within the field of design. This may include product design, industrial design, service design, interaction design, furniture and interior design, design-oriented anthropology, universal design, inclusive design, medical / health design, game design, material culture and experimentation, or consumption and consumer behaviour, architecture or design engineering.
• A letter of motivation. The letter must demonstrate (1) your interest in the field of study, (2) your previous experiences that prepare you for this master programme

and (3) your unique motivation for what you want to achieve by joining our programme, (4) your thoughts on how you can use this in your future career. The motivation letter will be evaluated based on the four above stated points.

• A portfolio consisting of documented design works related to products, systems or services.

To apply to System and Service Design we require:

• Either a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, including at least 80 ECTS within the field of design.
• Or a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a field relevant to the field of study.
• Letter of motivation. The letter must demonstrate: (1) your interest in the field of study, (2) your previous experiences that prepare you for this master programme, (3) your unique motivation for what you want to achieve by joining our programme (4) use your letter of motivation to explain why your previous degree is relevant to the master’s programme. (5) Your thoughts on how you can use this in your future career. The motivation letter will be evaluated based on the five above stated points.

To apply to Design for Healthcare and Wellbeing we require:

• Either a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, including at least 80 ECTS within the field of design.
• Or a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in healthcare, medicine, computer science or engineering

Letter of motivation. The letter must demonstrate: (1) your interest in the field of study, (2) your previous experiences that prepare you for this master programme and (3) your unique motivation for what you want to achieve by joining our programme. (4) Use your letter of motivation to explain why your previous degree is relevant to the master’s programme. (5) Your thoughts on how you can use this in your future career. The motivation letter will be evaluated based on the five above stated points.

Ranking

The portfolio will be assessed by an academic committee at The Department of Product Design, which will evaluate the candidate’s academic level within product and service design in areas such as data gathering, design theory, process documentation, visualization, experience with materials and processing/production techniques. Ranking of applicants is based on this assessment only.

The two tracks that have a letter of motivation and no portfolio requirement are ranked based on grades from the bachelor's degree.

On successful completion of this programme, the students will have attained the following knowledge, skills and general competence at an advanced level:

Knowledge

The student:

• has advanced knowledge within the field of design and a particular understanding of performing, evaluating and adjusting own design processes in complex contexts
• has thorough knowledge of the practice and scientific based methods applied to complex design processes
• can critically analyse and apply relevant theory and research methods from other disciplines in design contexts
• can apply critical analysis and evaluate communication and sustainability as part of design contexts
• can analyse design issues based on the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the academic field

Skills:

The student:

• can analyse and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate needed interventions for a design process
• can analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations in the field of design and work independently on design projects
• can use relevant design methods for research and design work independently
• can carry out an independent design process, and develop innovative design solutions for society by applying accumulated knowledge from research, theory, experiments, and practice under supervision
• can conduct interdisciplinary processes with other professionals as well as lay-people
• can perform limited research or develop projects under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics

General competence

The student:

• can communicate, facilitate and manage design processes in complex contexts
• can analyse and critically reflect on the role of design in society and its implications for ethical problems
• can apply their knowledge and skills through performing and evaluating own design processes in relation to communication and in complex contexts
• can communicate extensive independent work and master the language and terminology of the academic field
• can communicate about academic issues, analysis and conclusions in the field, both with specialists and the public
• can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes

Specific learning outcomes for the three individual tracks:

Product Design and Culture

General introduction:

Great products make everyday life better. Today's product designers need competence in creativity, aesthetics, and understanding of cultural contexts and commercial markets and value. This requires a practice based, innovative approach with a broad set of skills. This Master's specialisation focuses on product design, aesthetics, material driven research methods and innovation. The students are encouraged to engage in dialogues concerning material culture to foster an understanding of how product design influences and is influenced by culture. The curriculum includes exploring, creating, collecting and analysing data, creating prototypes and products and presenting and communicating these findings effectively. The program emphasises collaboration and encourages the students to work with external collaborators. This allows students to understand product design in context and commercial value, enhancing their ability to create products that are not only aesthetically pleasing - but also attractive, sustainable and culturally relevant.

Knowledge

The student:

• has knowledge of cultural sustainability and its role, both from a personal and professional perspective
• has developed advanced communication abilities in visual and material articulation and aesthetic application
• has advanced knowledge of interview techniques with the aim of getting user insights
• can apply critical analysis and evaluate culture and aesthetics as part of design contexts

Skills

The student can:

• use aesthetic methods to enhance communication of the design process and the results
• exhibit and present their research using relevant research terminology and tools
• consciously develop and use materials, product semiotics and visual communication in projects

General competence

The student:

• understands sustainable responsibility and autonomy for cultural issues in design
• is familiar with the terminology and language of practice-based research
• is familiar with implementing communication and storytelling in projects

Systems and Service Design

General introduction:

The specialisation prepares the students to design for the shift towards sustainable societies, through theory and design methodology for systems and service design. The skills, knowledge and insight the students will attain are regarded as valuable both in the private and public sector, as well as for design research. The programme emphasises systems theory and methods for understanding a rich picture of data, mapping system dynamics and communication at an advanced level of design praxis in complex contexts. The training involves tools for visualising the grand picture, as well as defining strategic leverage points for design interventions in transdisciplinary cooperations. On successful completion of this programme, students are able to lead and perform systemic and service design projects for complexity. This 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.

Knowledge

The student has:

• knowledge of general systems theory
• thorough understanding of cybernetic and communication theory and its application in systems and service design
• deep insight into system dynamics and analysis in the context of sustainability
• insight into game dynamics in systems
• a strong foundation in methods for data gathering in complex settings such as visual interviewing, design probes and play probes, co-design, among others

Skills

The student can:

• describe complex contexts, system dynamics and communication flow through systems thinking as a basis for design
• lead the process for systemic and service design
• create GIGA-maps on the basis of complex settings through data gathering, analysis, cooperation and creative processes
• facilitate workshops for diverse perspectives mapping data gathering and co-design
• Use GIGA-maps as conversation tools

General competence

The student:

• has an overview of the main fields of theory and practice connected to systemic and service design
• understands how to apply theories related to systems, sustainability, communication, and services in both the private and public sectors, including organisational structure and operations, as a foundation for designing services, systems and products
• can effectively communicate and visualise processes, analyses, development and implementation of services, systems and products for complex sustainability challenges

Design for Healthcare and Wellbeing

General introduction:

The specialisation provides a holistic approach to challenges in health to enable students to create ethical, sustainable and user-friendly solutions to urgent challenges across the healthcare sector. Students learn about how health technologies can support peoples’ activity, participation, security, dignity and agency in everyday life. Central design principles that deal with user involvement, universal design and user interfaces are particularly relevant in the development of health technology solutions. We use technology, teamwork, and service-focused design to make complex problems easier to understand. By using design methods, we identify what stakeholders need and clarify roles and challenges within interdisciplinary teams to ensure effective solutions. The specialisation emphasises a transdisciplinary learning environment where students can expand their existing competence and form new perspectives in a design and health context.

Knowledge

The student:

• can critically assess and apply different concepts and paradigms within health and design and how these affect organisational practices, stakeholders and services
• can apply, analyse and communicate relevant methods and theories from design thinking in health and wellbeing contexts, user orientation, service design or product development
• has insight into the technological development in subject areas related to design and health and its importance for healthcare services nationally and globally
• has relevant knowledge of scientific theoretical traditions, research methods and the basis for research ethics with relevance for health science and design
• has knowledge of how to analyse health-related data in design projects and work in accordance with relevant legislation

Skills

The student:

• can lead or contribute to design processes in teams and organisations, to cocreate knowledge-based and sustainable products and services in health
• can visualise issues related to technology, service and organisational practice and apply them in collaborative processes.
• can lead user research processes and evaluate strategies for the implementation and utility of different health technologies and services
• can co-create, apply and communicate advanced interventions with health technology in transdisciplinary collaboration based on needs analyses
• can apply existing theories, methods and interpretations within design and health and work independently with practical and theoretical problem solving
• can write scientifically and present research results according to current conventions in design and health
• can work independently and with ethical awareness with guided product/service development or research work
• can contribute to research, professional development and innovation grounded in experience-based knowledge, research-based knowledge and user participation

General competence

The student:

• can contribute to the implementation of new technology in a health and wellbeing context and can explore how technology can contribute to solutions that support sustainable societies
• can lead or contribute to design processes in teams and organisations, to develop knowledge-based and sustainable products and services in the health sector
• can contribute to new thinking and innovation within design and health and contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration within technological and healthcare areas
• can communicate extensive independent work and master scientific forms of expression within design and health both in writing and orally
• can analyse and discuss ethical issues related to the use of technology in health services, both at individual and organisational level
• can apply their knowledge in new areas and in transdisciplinary collaboration to carry out complex tasks, processes and projects

The Master's Degree in Product Design runs over two years as a full-time study and is divided into several courses. All courses except from the Master's Project (30 ECTS) and the Preparatory MA-thesis (5 ECTS) have a value between 10 and 20 ECTS. All general courses and courses in the specialisations are compulsory to complete the Master Design in Complexity.

The different courses expose the students to several design methodologies that help enhance and expand their ability to develop solutions. Each course offers the students the possibility to develop their own projects within a set theme or methodology. This helps the students to define their personal value system and working methods. Particularly the second semester internship course and/or the third semester exchange offers students the possibility to connect to relevant networks within design, craft and industry in Norway or abroad.

Throughout the programme the course encourages the students to consider and develop design solutions that meet current and future societal challenges.

To become professional designers and creative leaders requires a multifaceted approach. Our program combines hands-on design studios with seminar-based learning, inviting the students to collaborate with and be inspired by peers from diverse disciplines, researchers and our esteemed faculty.

During the programme the students can build a solid theoretical foundation of research methods, critical reflection, and collaborative approaches, while exploring topics of their interest. In our shared studio spaces, the students can immerse themselves in a project driven learning environment. Here they can tackle emerging design themes and work in small teams to iterate and develop new solutions.

Teaching and learning methods

The programme offers the students the possibility to meet and work with people from backgrounds other than design. They share a passion for critical thinking, design and a wish to pursue graduate-level research and production.

The programme is organised with learning activities in a two-year full-time study in an international environment, with students and teaching staff from across the world. The master students work in a shared studio space with full access to the workshops, which include wood, metal, textiles, ceramics, DLM and VR.

The master students are expected to show independence, motivation and competence in developing their work within the courses offered in the programme. They can look forward to a variation of learning experiences such as discussions, lectures, group work, field trips and co-operations with other design schools and businesses.

Lectures, workshops, discussions, presentations, self-study, practical work and tutoring.

Thesis project

In the thesis project, students will apply the methods and themes explored over the two years to develop their own unique projects. For an entire semester they can explore their own experimental creativity, advanced problem-solving skills and critical inquiry and excel in areas that they strive to make a difference in.

Thesis topics cover a broad range of fields, from product and furniture explorations to systemic design approaches for industry or government and medical applications.

During the second semester, students will be required to complete practical training. This training has a value of 20 ECTS credits and is designed to give students real work experience in private business or the public sector. Students will acquire knowledge of relevant organisational models, decision-making mechanisms and gain experience of the methods used in organisations. The goal is that students will be able to further develop their skills in a design environment.

The University establishes individual cooperation agreements with relevant businesses, municipalities and other public sector organisations. These agreements outline the practical arrangements for specific student assignments, which may be carried out at the partner's location over a period of three months. The assignments tend to involve research and development tasks at the cooperation partner's location. Practical training in the public sector may be that students are assigned to ongoing research projects within the institution. The student will be assigned a contact person from the cooperation partner or research project for the duration of the agreed period. They will receive guidance both from staff at the practical training location and from the University's teaching staff. Some businesses may prefer students to undertake placements lasting three to six months. To accommodate this, the study programme is structured so that students can extend their placement into the summer months if desired. Placements exceeding three months are optional and not part of the formal study programme. Practical training for more than three months does not account for more ECTS credits.

As design is inherently focused on and influenced by an international context, the programme includes activities involving international lecturers, teachers, researchers, and companies. Students can participate in an exchange with foreign universities or university colleges during the second semester. We advise the students to choose one of the institutions with whom we have established an exchange agreement. It is possible to study abroad for one semester as part of the master's education (30 ECTS credits).

Coursework requirements

Coursework requirements are defined in the individual course descriptions and further requirements are described in the work and teaching plan for the course. Assignments are carried out individually or in groups.

Coursework requirements are given the assessment Approved/Not approved. In courses with coursework requirements, the students must receive an ‘approved’ mark to be able to take the exam and be given a final assessment of the course.

Requirements to be given a ‘not approved’ mark on coursework

Legitimate absence based on e.g. a medical certificate, does not exempt students from meeting the coursework requirements. Students who due to illness or any other documented legitimate absence do not meet the coursework requirements within the appointed deadline should, as far as possible, be given a new attempt to meet the requirements before the relevant examination.

Assessment

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 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 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; so that the students' work will be assessed by one external and one internal examiner.

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

Guideline for master's thesis at the Faculty can be found here: Retningslinjer for masteroppgaver ved Fakultet for teknologi, kunst og design - Student - minside (oslomet.no)

Quality Assurance System

The purpose of the Quality Assurance System at OsloMet is to strengthen the student's learning outcome and development by increasing the quality throughout. OsloMet wants to cooperate with its students and their participation in the Quality Assurance System is crucial. Some of the overall goals of the Quality Assurance System are:

• ensuring that the educational institution, including practical training, learning and study environment keep a high quality
• ensuring the relevance of the study programmes for the professional field
• ensuring a continuously improving quality development
• student evaluations
• course evaluations
• annual student survey among the students at OsloMet

For more information about the Quality Assurance System, please see our website (available in Norwegian only): https://student.oslomet.no/regelverk#etablering-studium-evalueringkvalitetssystem

External programme supervisors

External programme supervisors are a part of ensuring the quality of the individual study programmes. An external programme supervisor is not an examiner, but someone who supervises the quality of the study programmes. All study programmes at OsloMet will be supervised by an external programme supervisor. However, how the external programme supervisors are used may vary. Reference is made to Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet: https://student.oslomet.no/retningslinjer-sensorer