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Product Design

Product Design

course overview

Product design programs provide a comprehensive understanding of the product development process. Students will learn how to design innovative and functional products from concept to prototype. This includes materials selection, user-centered design, and manufacturing processes.

Career Opportunities

  • Product Designer

  • Design Consultant

  • Design Entrepreneur

  • Lighting Designer

  • Furniture Designer

  • Model Maker for Commercial Studio

     

     

Diploma in Product Design

Duration : 6 months

Studio Practice : Sustainable Product Design

The objective of this module is to foster the development of studies, researches, and practices, based on the deepening of the theoretical foundation, reflections, and discussions on the subject in question. It trains students to be aware of the implications of their work in the design environment, and to develop practical skills to be able to consciously execute projects in relation to sustainability, taking into account the impacts at all stages of the product’s lifecycle.
Students will gain the knowledge and ability to understand how sustainable product design impacts on the current and future economy. They will develop intellectual skills in how to understand the concept of sustainability, be aware of the potential adverse effects of products throughout their lifecycle, taking into account the parameters of quality, environment, safety, and social responsibility in the development, elaboration, and use phases of the products.

3D Conceptualisation

In this module, students will learn the different methodologies for better conceptualization, including applying concepts to data, through the patterns that can lead to a unique and appropriate design solution, influenced by factors such as technology, visuals, words, cultural trends, and market research. Students become conscious of what concepts mean and how they are defined.
Students will be taught two different approaches – Multivariate Typology and Canonical Typology – for establishing a mind map as a potential associated outcome of ideas, using several design thinking techniques to understand and create design solutions for determining topics, referencing of the following: words and images, associations, inspirations, concept generations, shape, and forms.

Model Making

The objective of this module is to introduce students to Model Making exploration, understanding the variety of materials and their properties applied to a range of processes relevant to two- and three-dimensional design and construction. These techniques aim to develop accuracy and constructive imagination. Students will develop awareness in structural conceptualization and visual output of the models executed. Discussion and critical appraisal will be essential adjuncts to observation, concept and practice development.

Design Theory

Through this module, students develop a theoretical understanding of design and the full spectrum of different sources, as well as the historical and contemporary models of the design process. They will learn about the cognitive basis of design thinking and how this differs from basic skills, and understand the different design movements and schools of thought that have influenced the design sector over the last century (Bauhaus, eco-design, ergonomics, mass consumerism, and built-in obsolescence), providing an outlook of upcoming trends and futures.

Design Drafting – Technical Drawing

The objective of this module is to provide learning and acquisition of competences on the regulation of technical drawing, according to the most recent definitions applicable in international standards, as well as the acquisition of capabilities in the description of technical content and methodology in project execution. Students will acquire the basic knowledge of techniques, conventions, and use of instruments applied to the design, in the realization of projects. They will also study methods, projection tools for definition and determination of needs, planning, monitoring, and development of the project, enabling them to use their drawing as a projective and technical communication.

Cultural Studies

The objective of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to understand and appreciate architecture and visual arts. The ultimate goal is to help students consider and analyze the inherent interaction between art and social and cultural values, to develop critical thinking abilities, and a greater awareness and understanding of design.

Freehand Drawing

The objective of this module is to provide the students with the skills to use observation drawing as a means to express design ideas, and to familiarize students with a range of sketching and rendering techniques to further communicate these design thoughts effectively. Hands-on drawing exercises enable students to gain knowledge and confidence in their power of visualization and the development of perception and execution skills. Through observation and understanding of basic principles of structure, form, volume, space, planes, lines, perspectives, and proportions, students are encouraged to explore and experiment with various rendering skills and art media.

Colour Application in Design

The objective of this module is to provide the students with knowledge and skills to understand and apply basic principles of colour theory into design related projects. The module’s emphasis is on the study and visual phenomena of colour from conceptualization to the application to specific design areas. In this module, students will learn colour perception, harmony strategies, specification, colour scheme mixing, colour history, composition principles, and practise through successful creative designs.

Advanced Diploma in Product Design

Duration : 18 months

Human Factors

Through this subject, students will critically analyze the importance of user scenario. It will allow students to critically consider the importance of size, weight, as well as the comfort of the user. This module also examines the use of anthropological and ergonomic data in Product Design including understanding the psychology of consumer behaviour and identifying user needs through analyzing the role of the consumer in a contemporary and historical context by examining economic, social, commercial, and gender topics.

Digital Presentation

The objective of this module is to provide students with general knowledge of digital presentation theories, planning, applications, and designs, as well as practical methods and practical skills for creating digital presentations. Students will be able to identify different methodologies and tools for presenting their ideas digitally as well as apply the appropriate digital medium for the generation of design ideas, thereby grasping the skills needed to prepare and deliver effective and meaningful presentations.

Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD)

This module teaches students to produce computer-aided mechanical drawings, providing them with the necessary knowledge in engineering CAD Software drawing, based on 2D drafting, detailing, and 3D applications and their relevance within 3D Design, with a strong emphasis on the standards in technical drawings, specifications, interpreting and preparation of the drawing output (plotting).

Computer Rendering (Rhinoceros)

Students will learn applications and processes in computer rendering, designing and engineering products ranging from jewellery and furniture to automobiles, and how to build 3D models and prototypes with the NURBS-based modeling tools. Students are introduced to three primary entities (the curve, the surface, and the solid) and shown the best ways to draw curves and model 3D objects, to edit their geometry efficiently, and to render and export designs.

Solid Modeling – Rapid Prototyping

Solid Modeling emphasizes the understanding of the designer’s approach towards the presentation of design solutions in a three-dimensional form. In this module, students will be introduced to various types of rapid prototyping processes and 3D mechanical design applications, sectioning, and dimensioning; drawing standards and geometrical tolerances.
Students will also be provided with the fundamental knowledge to do calculations and stress test on the designed components, preparing the project for manufacturing.

Design Rendering

Students are exposed to different rendering skills and will use different types of mediums to render the final work. Through rendering, students are able to demonstrate their thoughts and ideas clearly to clients or lecturers. This skill will enhance students’ confidence and develop them as professional designers in terms of improving accurate communication, live freehand drawing, and discussion of ideas and concepts to develop.
Students will be exposed to a range of drawing styles using different medium such as pencil colour, water colour, pastel, and marker to illustrate commercial drawing in jewellery design or product design.

Studio Practice : Electrical Product Design

Electrical Product Design emphasizes examining consumer products through analyzing a range of electrical and electronic products within a creative, commercial, and highly competitive consumer market. In this module, students gain knowledge of internal components, structures, and materials, relating to electrical and electronic product design.

Furniture Design and Application

The objective of this module is to introduce students to the history and theory of furniture design and the application of history and theory to the furniture design process. Students will research and analyze the design and history of furniture, developing knowledge of material and form and their relation to cultural context. Students will also develop an understanding of the importance of ergonomics in the function of furniture. The ultimate goal of this module is to understand that history and theory can be inextricably connected to the design process and that a greater ability in theoretical and critical thinking will allow a greater ability in innovation.

Academic Research and Communication Skills

This unit covers key aspects of research and communication studies in academic contexts relevant to students of design and marketing. Students engage in collaborative learning activities throughout the term in order to develop their teamwork skills.
Students learn to locate, understand, and critically evaluate information from books, journals, the Internet, and primary sources, in order to do effective research. Using these sources of information, students then produce an extended piece of analytical writing and give oral presentations to their peers. Skills in doing primary research (i.e. conducting interviews and surveys), accessing and evaluating information, paraphrasing, using established referencing systems, applying the principles of effective communication, and the professional presentation of documents, are all covered during the module.

Studio Practice: Packaging Design

In Packaging Design, students explore the fundamentals of packaging, considering and designing in three dimensions, mass design, designing for specific target markets, food containers, and new product launches and also techniques on creating packaging. They will also learn the functions of wrapping to protect the product create an identity for advertising as well as communicating to the consumers.

Studio Practice: Modular Design Systems

Students will learn the applications and processes of modular design systems and the different forms in the industry, as well as the various approaches and better use of different tools to modular design products. Students will engage in modular assembly exploration of ways of advantages duplication and creation of valid appliance in varied contexts as an open system for flexible modularity.

Manufacturing Technology

This module emphasizes the understanding of the designer’s approach towards the production of goods which impacts on consumers indirectly or directly, analyzing, investigating a range of manufacturing processes from one-off to mass production, with focus on quality, safety, vendor selection, efficiency, sustainability, and costs. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the constraints of specific processes and apply that within 3D Design.

3D Manipulation (3D Studio Max)

Using the software 3D Studio Max, students will be trained to use a wide variety of techniques of virtual representation of concepts. Students will gain knowledge and skills in three-dimensional rendering through generation support for the presentation and demonstration through animation.

Major Design Project - Product Design

This final project will be self-proposed, from previous projects undertaken throughout the year and developed through to pre-production stage, under the supervision and guidance of a studio lecturer.

Design Management

To prepare students for the real-world industry, students are taught the necessary skills for communication of their portfolio, website, interview session, resume, and curriculum vitae. In this module, the dialogue and research is a crucial factor to assemble a good collection of techniques that will help them in the professional environment. Students need to understand the importance of professional practice, including areas of project management, intellectual property, legal aspects, meeting procedures, client management, market and user research. This module provides Product Designers an insight into how to manage a project while appreciating the roles of design as well as the designer in projects. It covers the concept of design for value, integrated design, the client’s brief, design evaluation, and the impact of design.

Lighting Fundamentals and Design

The objective of this module is to provide students with technical information and necessary knowledge related to lighting design. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of lighting principles, concerning indoor environments, and setting specific atmospheres within a given set of specifications associated with different lighting requirements. The emphasis of this module will be on the specifications of lighting fixtures and basic calculation according to usages of spaces, and understanding the importance and relevance of lighting elements within a contemporary design environment.

Visual Merchandising

To provide students with an understanding of the history of the modern retail environment and its development and practical knowledge of Visual Merchandising techniques.
Students will gain knowledge of store layouts, fixtures & fittings, mannequins, lighting, display principles, and in-store merchandising systems, to create concepts for promoting products. They analyze the new aesthetic and behavioural trends in the marketplace to translate these values into personal and holistic projects that are attractive to the consumers.

Industrial Attachment

This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain real-world industry experiences and professional practices in their chosen discipline. It allows students to establish connections, develop useful contacts, and gain industrial skills and an overall perspective of the discipline. The industrial attachment is intended to enhance students’ educational experience and prepare them for their careers.

Bachelor of Product Design (Honours)

Duration : 12 months

Everyday Objects Redesigned Studio

The aim of the module is to improve student’s understanding of the evolution of the design of everyday objects. Students will gain their understanding by designing a new object/product to improve its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
A target audience for the design will be identified and concept sketches will be presented depicting the development of the design ideas. A final presentation rendering and models will be produced. A working journal will document students’ reflections, research, working drawings and working process. The final project will include a finished prototype and accompanying technical drawings as well as concept sketches and presentation renderings.

Sustainable Design

The aim of this subject is to give students an awareness of the importance of designing for sustainability in addition to providing a valuable knowledge of current sustainable technologies, materials, design innovation and practitioners. The course seeks an interdisciplinary work process where design includes technical, social, economic, ecological integrated and sustainable systems.

Entrepreneurship and New Business Development

This module is designed to provide students the theoretical concepts and practical tools for entrepreneurship and new business development. It aims to encourage students’ interest in starting own firm, and also to provide the skills and knowledge in managing, influencing and stimulating entrepreneurial activities. Students will engage in the entrepreneurial process, from the idea generation stage to the collection of information, further refinement of the original idea to produce business plan and idea pitching. Student will develop competencies, techniques, and skills about entrepreneurship, set within a reflective and critical approach to study business development in the modern economy.

Law for the Creative Industries

The aim of this subject is to examine the legal environment in which local and international contemporary design oriented professionals operate. It is designed to equip students with knowledge of the basic legal principles, and more generally common law systems. The module focuses on contract law and dispute resolution, duty and standard of care, tort and negligence, copyright, and personal indemnity insurance.

One Off to Mass Production

The aim of this module is for students to understand the historical development of manufacturing processes and how these have affected product design. Students will analyse the history of manufacturing from craft manufacture to mass personalisation. They will demonstrate their knowledge through a design project; they will develop the design brief and construct a range of completed objects suitable for different types of manufacturing.

Major Studio Project I

This is the 1st part of a 2 part project. In this module, the students are required to carry out research to develop a design concept for a new product.

Major Studio Project II

This is the 2nd part of a 2 part project. In this module, the students are required to develop the concept and construct a prototype of the object or system they researched on in part 1. This module is completed over 2 semesters.

Project Management

This module covers topics which include project management processes, tools of project management, project resources management, roles and responsibilities of the project manager, project risk assessment, project scheduling, cost estimation and performance analysis, and budgeting.

E-Marketing Strategy

This module introduces the application of marketing principles and techniques via the Internet. E- Marketing is the process of marketing a brand using the Internet and includes both direct response marketing and indirect marketing elements and uses a range of technologies to help connect businesses to their customers.

Leadership and Innovations

This module introduces students to traditional and modern concepts of leadership, and focuses on skill and knowledge development and organizational operations, effectiveness and competition, and social responsibilities.

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