Module manager: Dr Ray Holt
Email: R.J.Holt@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
A problem based design studio module with a number of projects which challenge the student to apply and combine their skills and learning from this module and other modules to develop and communicate creative solutions to complex problems.
This module introduces key design methods and assesses students ability to apply their learning from across the course through practical design work.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1- Communicate conceptual and detail design ideas (including tolerancing information for manufacturing) by means of sketches, CAD, DTP and multimedia software;
2- Use and develop frameworks to identify and describe emerging sociocultural trends, including sustainability, and understand the relevance of such to the designer;
3- Design electro-mechanical products utilising standard and/or specialised parts in response to specific design constraints;
4- Produce fit for purpose 3D models, using CAD software, that are suitable for downstream manufacturing processes such as CNC machining and rapid prototyping;
5- Create realistic working prototypes suitable for presentation using available resources as appropriate;
6- Recognise and discuss standard theory related to design aesthetics and apply specific elements in their own work;
These module learning outcomes contribute to the following AHEP4 learning outcomes:
7- Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address broadly-defined problems (B4)
8- Design solutions for broadly-defined problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards (B5)
9- Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to broadly-defined problems (B7)
10- Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate broadly-defined problems (B12).
11- Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team B16).
12- Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences (B17)
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a- Problem solving & analytical skills
b- Creativity
c- Systems thinking
The syllabus is :
- Application of learning from other modules to design projects;
- Ethical considerations in product design;
- Team performance issues;
- Trend forecasting and sustainable design;
- Prototyping and testing;
- Portfolio Development and Presentation.
- sustainability and radical design
- service design
- prototyping and communication
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Practical | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Independent online learning hours | 58 | ||
| Private study hours | 312 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
An online discussion board will be monitored during specified times each week. In addition, students will have opportunities for formative feedback in design reviews and interactive activities that will be a part of the lectures and in the Service Design project Challenge Day workshop that is classified as a workshop in the contact time matrix.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 02/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team