Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Design Discovery
SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: DES08133
Module leader: Peter Buwert
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Art Design and Photography
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

When we design, we intervene in the world around us, making changes which affect individuals, communities and environments. How can we gain understanding of the world around us in order to design more responsibly and effectively within our complex social and environmental contexts? In this interdisciplinary design module, you will learn how to plan and conduct practical design research to generate useful knowledge and insights to inform and guide both your design projects, and your growth as a designer. This learning should be integrated throughout all your design modules across all years and your careers. It is fundamental to why and how we design and provides you with a foundation on which to build and evolve your own design process.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Articulate knowledge of the complex historical and contemporary social and environmental contexts within which design has developed and operates

LO2: Demonstrate and work with a discerning understanding of the central role of research in contemporary design activity

LO3: Identify and apply appropriate methods for design research

LO4: Analyse, interpret, and evaluate design research data and present reasonable conclusions to inform design practice

LO5: Demonstrate awareness of ethical considerations within design activity in social context
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, IN PERSON,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: IN PERSON
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Peter Buwert
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 12 Through weekly interactive talks, tutors will introduce you to key ideas, ways of thinking, and practical processes, which you will explore further through assigned coursework tasks, group discussion and independent study.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 24 In weekly class sessions you will explore the ideas presented in the weekly talks by tutors further through interactive practical tasks, discussion and reflection.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 24 Each week you will meet with your peer-learning group of classmates to discuss and support each other with your learning on the module, and to work together on practical coursework assignments.
Online Guided independent study 140 You will be provided with starting points for reading and resources to guide your independent study as you explore course content and work to complete coursework assignments outside of scheduled class time.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 100 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period , WORDS= Portfolio Summative assessment will take place through a single submission of a portfolio of work in week 14. This submission will constitute 100% of your summative module grade. The portfolio will present each of the tasks you have undertaken throughout the module. These might include, for example: a 1,000 word literature review presenting the context for project work; a process book documenting design research activities carried out during the module; a 1,500 word report presenting methodology, analysis and insights gained through project work. The portfolio must demonstrate a clear understanding of the role and operation of design research within context. Portfolios will be assessed based on their overall demonstration of achievement of module learning outcomes, rather than solely on specific attributes of individual tasks. In this way the portfolio submission will allow you to present a personalised account of your engagement and activity throughout the module in order to demonstrate that you have achieved the learning outcomes for the module.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Design Discovery
 

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