Design Innovation MA/MSc/PG Dip – (M.A.)

Contents

First semester one (September to January – 60 credits)

Builds a foundation of knowledge and techniques. You will study Research Methodology and Design Cultures: Theories and Contexts. You can then choose two modules from Design Processes, Marketing for the Creative Entrepreneur, Creative Digital Media and Critical Perspectives in Design Management.

* Research Methodology (15 credits)
Enables you to develop a range of conceptual and practical research skills, such as questionnaire design and interview techniques. As a key part of this module, you will formulate an individual major project proposal which specifies aims, objectives, research methods and expected outcomes
* Design Cultures: Theories and Contexts (15 credits)
Introduces a range of relevant contemporary theoretical contexts, including consumer identity, cultural/ national identities, gender, subculture, craft theory and design as a commodity. It encourages independent research to tackle issues relevant to the major project
* Design Processes (15 credits)
Complements the Research Methodology module by providing an introduction to professional practice and the nature of the design process. Advances in technology, project management, design method theories, concept development, prototyping techniques, design testing, user-centred/inclusive design, ethical and environmental design issues are covered
* Marketing for the Creative Entrepreneur (15 credits) Examines the key marketing and corporate strategy issues affecting the designer/design entrepreneur and investigates methods of marketing design-based products and services. Understanding consumer needs, buying drivers and strategy are fundamental to product innovation and development in a competitive market
* Creative Digital Media (15 credits) Introduces critical appraisal of current digital media technology, related creative and management processes and production techniques in a professional context. It will examine advances in technology, project management, digital design method theories, concept development, prototyping/production techniques and design/application testing
* Critical Perspectives in Design Management (15 credits)
Considers the discipline of design management, its historical development and its current place within industry. You will develop an appreciation of the discipline and its role within a broader high technological industrial context.

Second semester (February to May – 60 credits)

All students take the Creative Professional Brief module. You can then choose two 15-credit modules or one 30-credit module from: Sustainable Design, Museum and Exhibition Design, Advances in Lens-Based Media: Holographic Imaging, Business Planning for the Creative Entrepreneur or the Managing Business Web Presence.

* Creative Professional Brief (30 credits)
This module enables you to develop your major project design and build an understanding of advanced scholarship in design. A specification report (based on primary research) and a portfolio of investigative design development work that shows an individual, creative response are produced
* Sustainable Design (15 credits) Covers sustainability as a core aspect of design thinking and as a driver of innovation, within marketing strategy and as a management practice. You will examine the environmental impact of all stages of the product life cycle while developing a sustainable design and business strategy
* Museum and Exhibition Design (15 credits) Offers the opportunity to create innovative designs and strategies for museums and exhibitions. It covers: the semiotics of display, interpretation, conservation, cultural identity, heritage, tourism, gifts, souvenirs, inclusive design, sustainability, education and audience, using a range of international case studies
* Advances in Lens-Based Media: Holographic Imaging (30 credits) Introduces students to modern optics and the use of holographic/lenticular technology as a creative tool. Specifically, it will examine advances in light sensitive materials and related print technology, three-dimensional photography and design/application testing
* Business Planning for the Creative Entrepreneur (15 credits) Develops the key business planning skills and knowledge to identify potential for a new product/service/experience and mobilise business resources to bring the idea to market. It examines key aspects of starting a new design or creative business, such as business plans, small and medium enterprise (SME) management, leadership, investment, risk management, financial planning and intellectual property
* Managing Business Web Presence (15 credits) Offers a critical appraisal of web design and promotion, with related creative and management processes and production techniques in a business context. You will evaluate the role of website design in business, marketing and the creative industries while examining advances in web architecture, technology, interface and management.

Third semester (June to September – 60 credits)

The major project enables you to carry out your own design and/or research project under supervision. There are three options:

* Detailed design (in which you develop your design to a prototype stage with a design report)
* Design Concept (development of the design to concept stage supported by a dissertation)
* Dissertation (in which a more substantial dissertation is produced)

Teaching and assessment

Modules in the first two semesters are taught through seminars, lectures, team-working and design workshops. You will undertake independent research, analysis, design development and writing up of your projects, supported by individual tutorials.