Module manager: Dr. Kimberly Sheen
Email: k.sheen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Jul to 31 Aug View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Students are required to meet the programme entry requirements prior to studying the module.
| ODES5110M | Design and Research |
| ODES5111M | Creative Design Thinking |
| ODES5112M | Design in a Digital World |
N/A
This module is not approved as an Elective
Digital design is an umbrella term for any work in digital formats. It may involve digital design products, including but not limited to graphics, interactive infographics, websites, user experience, user interfaces, virtual reality and data-driven designs. Each student will choose a specialist area to explore then 1) research the problem/ design need; 2) develop ideas; 3) prototype 4) evaluate the design decisions and 5) iterate the design based on evaluation findings. Students will plan, manage, and communicate their chosen case from inception to final design solution. This module builds on the teaching provided in the programme's foundation modules and should be undertaken following carousel one.
This module gives students the opportunity to:
1. Plan and conduct independent research work relevant to the student’s specialist project.
2. Demonstrate coherent and detailed subject knowledge informed by recent research/scholarship in the discipline.
3. Identify a user need and explore research and design ideas, concepts and approaches capable of delivering efficient design solutions.
4. Critically understand and analyse self-generated ideas and concepts in order to select the best design direction to follow.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Propose, construct and justify a chosen design project and solution.
2. Demonstrate critical design thinking, analysis and evaluation skills in producing a high-quality design solution.
3. Apply creative skills in problem-solving and assess possible project constraints in terms of feasibility.
4. Present research findings and communicate design ideas in a coherent and visually stimulating manner.
The module will cover the following aspects to help individuals learn a specific project specialism through a case study. The indicative content for this module includes:
- Project planning, management and solving problems
- Identifying and mitigating risk
- Integrating research and design
- Digital prototyping, evaluation and iteration
- Communicating findings and design ideas.
Students will choose a specialism area at the beginning of the module. Independent learning materials, online seminars and open workshops will facilitate students to apply research and communication skills to plan and develop their design projects.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Discussion forum | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Independent online learning hours | 12 | ||
| Private study hours | 128 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 10 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Independent online learning (12 hours):
Each online seminar is supported by learning materials such as video, journal papers, books, and websites. Students need to plan their own time to study these materials independently before and after synchronised sessions.
To gain confidence to develop and articulate their own ideas, students will engage in private study (128 hours).
- Independent research: 30 hours
- Project planning and development: 48 hours
- Preparation and evaluation of assessed outcomes: 50 hours
Online learning materials will provide regular opportunity for students to check their understanding (for example through formative multiple-choice questions facilitated through online quizzes with automated feedback). Regular group activity via discussion boards will be embedded into learning will allow self and peer assessment providing opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutor.
The individual unit webinars and discussion forums provide opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors.
Opportunities for formative feedback will be given during online seminars to illustrate the students’ understanding on the subject area/chosen topic.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Video Presentation. 10 - 12 mins video with appropriate imagery and demo of final solution. | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
A video presentation is required to demonstrate, summarise, and advocate for the final solution in their chosen design case.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2025
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