Module manager: Ms Vanessa Walker
Email: v.j.walker@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
DESN5180M Design Speculation
This module is not approved as an Elective
Speculative designers use critical thinking to rethink current systems, products and ways of living. Alternative tangible futures are produced which can be interrogated by stakeholders in order for them to experience futures before they happen. Students will be introduced to this area of design practice by exploring a variety of tools, perspectives and approaches in both research and commercial contexts. Using the acquired knowledge, students will produce a creative speculative project.
1. To develop an appreciation of differing perspectives & approaches regarding speculative design.
2. To formulate future orientated scenarios using critical thinking.
3. To construct and present near-future products, systems or services using speculative design tools.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Appraise differing perspectives on speculative design.
2. Critically analyse academic literature to develop future orientated scenarios.
3. Select & apply speculative tools in the creation of a speculative design project.
Skills Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Develop innovative ideas through creative, self-reflective and analytical thinking.
5. Communicate design concepts using written, visual and other digital tools to a professional standard.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Lectures | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Practicals | 11 | 3 | 33 |
| Independent online learning hours | 33 | ||
| Private study hours | 221 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 46 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Students present their progress weekly during the practical sessions where verbal formative feedback from the course team is delivered.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Project | Prototype (individual or group) | 50 |
| Report | Reflective Report | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 25/08/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team