SD3082 Introduction to Design Theories and Culture Autumn 2017

Subject Assignment-Due by 5 p.m. on Dec.6, 2017, Wednesday (Turn in your assignment to

the General Office [V810]. Late submission will be downgraded.)

*Design analysis (Small Group Project Report)-40% (Word count: 2000-3000)

Select contemporary designs in any discipline and analyses the content with knowledge of
theories learned in the subject. You are advised to choose two theories that would help you
examine the designs in the context of aesthetics, gender, consumerism, globalization, lifestyles,
and modernity.

Requirements
*You are to work in a team of four members. Your project report should reflect:

-Understanding of key concepts and issues introduced in the subject, quality of observations and
analysis of cultural products, both in a descriptive and critical manner.

-The ability to relate ideas to design and design experience and the ability to formulate an interactive
relationship between theory and practice of design.

-Completeness, clarity of argument and expression. The ability to organize the materials in a
coherent and comprehensible way. Quality of presentation, including appropriate use of visual
materials, citations and overall organization.

-Your findings supported by data gathering, analysis and interpretation.

*Your project report should include a bibliography that contains the author, the title, the
publisher, and the year in which the book or the article was published.

*Individual Reflective Essay-45% (Word count: 750-1000)

- To critically reflect on what you have learned in this subject; cite and discuss specific lectures
and assigned readings that most inspire or enlighten you about culture, design, and
theories.

- To explore how the knowledge learned in this course can assist you in your work or future
studies.

- To discuss your personal experience in executing this project.

Assessment Criteria
1. The ability in understanding the relationship between the value of culture and theories in
contemporary design practice;
2. The ability in understanding lecture presentations and assigned reading;
3. The ability in critically formulating applicable research data and interpretations;

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4. The interpersonal skills in teamwork and project coordination;
5. The professionalism of presentation;
6. The quality of the report i.e. content, overall visual presentation;
7. Motivation, discussion participation and time management.

Recommended report outline

1. Full names and student numbers of the team

2. Title of the project

3. Selected Contemporary Designs (Provide a description of the designs.)

4. Background (Give a history behind the types of designs selected.)

5. Aims (What do you expect to find from conducting the analysis?)

6. Selected Theories (Explain the chosen theories & why they are appropriate for your project.)

7. Findings and issue identification (Outcomes of your analysis.)

8. Conclusion (Summarize your analysis process.)

9. Individual reflective essays

10. Bibliography: Textual and Visual reference

11. Peer assessment form-submitted by each group member (see p.3)

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PEER ASSESSMENT FORM

Consider the division of labour while conducting this project; provide a score to your team
members on his/her overall contributions to team effort in this project.

Team members:-
Name Discipline Score
(0 to 4.5, with 4.5 being
full score)
1.

2.

3.

4.

Other comments (if any)

Score reference
0 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
F D D+ C C+ B B+ A A+