Module manager: Mr Dan Trowsdale
Email: D.B.Trowsdale@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Year 1 and 2 of the Product Design programme.
| PDES1510 | Design Studio 1 |
| PDES2220 | Design Studio 2 |
| PDES3175 | Mechanical Systems |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module is an individual project intended to allow students to integrate the creative and technological aspects of design into a single project.
The aim of the module is for the student to demonstrate their capability to manage and deliver an independent design project from the initial starting point of an identified user need, based around the UN Sustainable Development Goals, through to a viable product design. The module requires the student to integrate knowledge, know-how and skills developed in the previous years of study and parallel modules.
The first objective is to execute a substantive research into an identified subject area and create a design brief with project specific design requirements.
The second objective is to design concept solutions to meet design requirements while considering relevant constraints and trade-offs. Students will be expected to evaluate a number of concept solutions through user testing, engineering analysis and other techniques, and then develop at least one concept solution into a detailed design definition including physical and digital models.
Students create a final working prototype of at least one concept solution (or a component part for a more complex product) demonstrating the realisation of functionality, and manufacturing considerations.
Students are expected to demonstrate traceability of design rationale in all elements of the project. The value of design solutions is evidenced through a portfolio of work developed across two semesters with the ultimate solution being justified against self-written and project specific criteria.
The design of the module is based on active learning and learning-by-doing. Students learn about the complexities of product design as a wicked problem balancing commercial issues and user-needs with issues of ethics, sustainability. Through the project phases, students demonstrate the application of high level skills such as creativity, problem solving and synthesis.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Execute substantive research into an identified subject area leading to the specification of a project brief with clear design goals.
2. Implement and evidence an iterative human centred design process demonstrating traceability of design rationale in all elements of the project.
3. Explore a broad range of potential design solutions by means of sketches, low and high fidelity prototypes and design software.
4. Consider a wide range of constraints such as functionality, user needs, manufacturing considerations, aesthetic design, commercial considerations, financial issues and intellectual property.
5. Use graphical and oral skills to communicate design ideas and solutions effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
6. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and manufacturing processes to inform the development of at least one concept solution to a high level of detail.
These module learning outcomes contribute to the following AHEP4 learning outcomes:
• Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model broadly-defined problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed. [B3]
• Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address broadly-defined problems. [B4]
• 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 and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards. [B5]
• Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to broadly-defined problems. [B7]
• Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct. [B8]
• Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity. [B9]
• Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate broadly-defined problems. [B12]
• Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes. [B13]
• Recognise the need for quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of broadly-defined problems. [B14]
• Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project management and relevant legal matters. [B15]
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences. [B17]
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
a. Digital creation, problem-solving and innovation - The ability to use digital technology and techniques to create digital items (such as images, documents and mind maps), and the willingness to engage with new practices and perspectives to solve problems, make decisions and answer questions.
b. Critical thinking - The ability to gather information from a range of sources, analyse, and interpret data to aid understanding and anticipate problems. To use reasoning and judgement to identify needs, make decisions, solve problems, and respond with actions.
c. Communication - the ability (in both verbal and written communication) to be clear, concise and focused; being able to tailor your message for the audience and listen to the views of others.
d. Problem solving & analytical skills - the ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and creative skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate numerical data.
e. Creativity - The ability to generate ideas, demonstrate originality and imaginative thinking, including the concept of ‘thinking outside the box’.
f. Systems thinking - Recognises and understands relationships; analyses complex systems (environmental, economic and social
Each student will select a project theme and suggest a product concept. This will be agreed and then after some substantive research they will develop a specification of design requirements based upon the details contained within the user evaluation and research findings.
The students must produce a sketchbook containing appropriate design ideas and concept solutions that could fulfil the defined specification. These concept solutions will be evaluated with respect to a number of relevant criteria including aspects such as functionality, usability, psychology, business and other contextual attributes.
Students will be expected to involve third party evaluators, including potential users. The concept solution that best meets the specification should be defined and developed in detail and an exhibition stand created at the end of year degree show.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| Supervision | 12 | 0.3 | 4 |
| Lecture | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| Practical | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Independent online learning hours | 10 | ||
| Private study hours | 530 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 60 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
Students have meetings with supervisors every two weeks. These sessions are student-driven and offer the opportunity for regular and specific feedback on each student’s progress.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 07/05/2026
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