Design in Context

DI101-15 Term 1

Module Leader

Core module - First year only

Term 1

15 CATS

20 practical class hours and 5 fieldwork hours

All lectures and seminars will be face to face unless otherwise stated in Moodle

Please note this webpage refers to the module as planned for 2024-2025. For other versions, please refer to the module catalogue: Module information

In this introductory module we explore the diverse theories and practices of designing, the designed world, the impact of design on people, and the challenges and ambitions that motivate designing. Students will examine the contextual backdrop to the formation of design as discourse, practice and profession, question the globalization of design, the similarities and differences between different forms of designing, design professions, and everyday designing. Students will develop critical and creative capabilities for responding to the designed world. They will learn from experience and practice, from visiting diverse locations, and encountering innovative designs and designers who have worked on national and international projects.

Principal Aims

To introduce students to the theoretical and practical foundations of design.
To evolve skills in diverse research methods that range from more academic practice to practice-based research methodologies.
To establish ethical practices and student sensitivities to ethical issues.
To introduce students to the potentialities of design and design practice, as well as the potential professional roles a designer may have.
To develop skills in analysis of design in all its breadth.
To establish relationships and habits for working collaboratively.

Principal Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

To develop an understanding of definitions, principles, theories and practices of design and designing.
To establish effective methods of research using a diverse range of methodologies.
To describe and critically evaluate designs-as-implemented, as-evolved, and as-experienced, from the perspectives of diverse stakeholders.
Draw upon knowledge, theories and practices from other disciplines (including creative) with which the students have familiarity, to contextualise and deepen descriptions and critical evaluations of designs.
To develop an understanding of ethical considerations when researching.
Develop a sensitivity and knowledge of group and collaborative working with peers.

Syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

What is design? The historical, social and political contexts.
A universal concept? (Exploring how useful the term is and its inherent inequalities).
Design as power (Examining designed inequalities)
Design as differentiation (Examining intentionality and the consequences of design)
Design as empowerment (Examining designed empowerment)
Design as collaborative (Examining processes of designing that are collaborative)
Many designers (Considering the many roles of designer)
Talking design 1 (Hearing from contemporary designers)
Talking design 2 (Hearing from contemporary designers)
Mapping design for now (Establishing a working definition of design that is collective and useable for the year group)

Please note: Module availability and staffing may change year on year depending on availability and other operational factors. The School for Cross-faculty Studies makes no guarantee that any modules will be offered in a particular year, or that they will necessarily be taught by the staff listed on this page.