In this module, you will gain an appreciation of design, the design industry, and the evolving roles and responsibilities of the designer in society and in relation to the people we design for. By examining key texts and case studies you will explore the history and theory of design’s complex relationships with society, ethics, politics and economics, and how this relationship shapes and influences contemporary design practise. You will develop basic skills in critical and reflective thinking as you consider, discuss, debate and critically analyse these issues. Working individually and in groups, you will test and explore theoretical ideasabout design practise in the real world by putting ideas into action through design projects. There will be regular opportunities in class to present and reflect on your progress and receive constructive feedback from your peers and tutors. You will demonstrate the knowledge you have gained throughout the module by producing a portfolio of work which presents your reflections on the relationships between design history, theory, criticism, and practice in context.