Module manager: Dr Tang Tang
Email: t.x.tang@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module introduces theories and principles of Service and Social Design, illuminating their synergy in crafting innovative, human-centric design solutions and services. Service Design enhances the usability and desirability of services across various sectors, while Social Design directly contributes to societal, environmental, and humanitarian causes, fostering inclusivity, equality, sustainability, and social justice. This dual approach not only enriches communities and the environment but also yields tangible benefits for businesses, governments, and other entities.
This module gives students the opportunity to:
• Learn theoretical and practical perspectives regarding Service and Social Design for Innovation.
• Explore the inter-disciplinary nature of Service and Social Design for Innovation in a variety of contexts – healthcare, education, business, public sector, etc.
• Address the specific needs and motivations of Service and Social Design users by developing creative and effective design solutions.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Analyse and interpret current challenges, theories and principles of Service and Social Design for Innovation to define a problem or need.
2. Critically analyse literature, and plan appropriate research methods for the successful development of a design project.
3. Design and develop effective and visually stimulating design solutions in response to a specific brief, problem and need.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Apply advanced design thinking and conceptualisation skills
5. Showcase competence in creating visually compelling solutions for specific briefs, problems, and needs.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Practical | 7 | 3 | 21 |
| Private study hours | 259 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 41 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Formative feedback will be given in:
• Feedback will be given in practicals and feedback meetings.
• Formal presentation of work with feedback around week 21 (with feedback from industry/stakeholders providing a live brief).
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Portfolio | 100 |
| 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: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team