Section 3

Unit Title Precedent Study

Unit Code PD108
Programme BA (Hons) Product Design
Credits 20 Level 1 Unit Status Mandatory

Contact Time 120 Access to Resources 40 Independent Study 40

The aim of this unit is to enable students to understand how and why
products and artefacts evolve and therefore how they could develop
further.

It is expected that students will investigate, with the support of

theoretical study, examples of how external influences i.e. social,
cultural, technology, manufacturing and marketing, have had an
Introduction impact that has resulted in significant change and the evolution of
product archetypes.

Starting from a theoretical basis, students will demonstrate their

understanding by designing and producing practical outcomes,
which project the products of today forward in time, accounting for
advancements in technologies, materials and manufacturing
processes and other contexts.

The unit is project driven and the topics covered will be responsive
to the area chosen and/or industry developments, but are likely to
include:
Indicative • Conceptual thinking, forecasting and future gazing;
Curriculum
• Evaluation models;
Outline
• Product ‘feedback’, identity and use;
• CAD solid-modelling;
• Computer visualisation;
• Emerging technologies.

Faculty of Design Definitive Document: 21 July 2006

Reading list updated September 2007
 Section 3

In order to pass this Level 1 unit, students must demonstrate that the
following learning outcomes have been achieved:

Knowledge and Understanding

1. Knowledge and understanding of the factors that influence

product evolution and development; (LO1)
2. Knowledge and understanding of emerging technologies,
materials and processes and their potential application in the
Unit Learning
subject area. (LO2)
Outcomes
Skills

3. The ability to apply design research analysis to design

solutions; (LO3)
4. The ability to conceptualise the future developments of
existing product archetypes; (LO4)
5. The ability to research and analyse the evolution and
development of a product archetype. (LO5)

The unit will make use of the following:

• Briefing(s);
Teaching and
• Theoretical studies lecture program focusing on a specific
Learning
case study;
Strategies
• Guest lectures/lectures;
• Group and individual tutorials;
• Self-directed study and research.

Formative Assessment
Students will receive written feedback on presentations about their
project development giving them an indication of their performance
in relation to the learning outcomes before final unit submission.

Summative Assessment
Assessable The unit submission requirements are a specified practical project
Elements and associated research and development.

Assessable Elements Percentage of Final Grade

Practical project; final design and 50%
visualisation
Associated research, 2D and 3D 50%
development work

Faculty of Design Definitive Document: 21 July 2006

Reading list updated September 2007
 Section 3

At the end of this unit students will be assessed on:

Practical project; final design and visualisation

• Accurate and effective presentation of the final design
proposal via the use of CAD/solid computer modelling and
visualising software; (LO3, LO4)
• Effectiveness of design solution in meeting the project
requirements. (LO1)
Assessment
Associated research, 2D and 3D development work
Criteria
• Evidence of critical analysis of research of the factors that
govern and influence the evolution and development of a
product archetype; (LO5)
• Production of design development work which demonstrates
an intelligent response to emerging technologies or markets;
(LO2)
• Clear evidence of the strategic use of physical models in the
formative development of the final design solution. (LO3,
LO4)

Faculty of Design Definitive Document: 21 July 2006

Reading list updated September 2007
 Section 3

Books

Lefteri, C. (2007) Making It: Manufacturing techniques for Product

Design, Laurence King Publishing.

Kelley, T. (2004) Art of Innovation: IDEO, Profile Books.

Manzini, E. (1992) The Material of Invention, Design Council.

Goldenberg J. (2002) Creativity in Product Innovation, Cambridge

University Press.

Baxter, M. (1995) Product Design: Practical Methods for the

Systematic Development of New Products, CRC Press.

Grinyer, C. (2001) Smart Design: Driving Technology to Suit Our

Needs, Rotovision.
Indicative
Ashby, M. (2002) Materials and Design: The Art and Science of
Reading List
Material Selection in Product Design, Butterworth Heinemann.

Thackara, John. (2005) In the Bubble: Design in a Complex World,

Mass.

Periodicals

Wired

ID

Axis

Websites

www.design-council.org.uk

www.thehenleycentre.com

Faculty of Design Definitive Document: 21 July 2006

Reading list updated September 2007