Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Design Major Project Part 1
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 40.00
ECTS credit value: 20
Module code: DES10116
Module leader: Matt Sinclair
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:

In Design Major Project you will set out on an ambitious design project, which will allow you to develop and showcase the full range of your design skills. In Design Major Project Part 1 you will identify your project theme, define the shape of your investigation, conduct and analyse research, and apply the knowledge gained through this activity to develop and propose imaginative and challenging design concepts which you will go on to develop further in Design Major Project Part 2.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Identify a subject for investigation within/through design practice, demonstrating detailed knowledge and understanding of key contextual and theoretical factors relevant to the operation of design in this context.

LO2: Responsibly devise, manage and execute a design research investigation leading to development of knowledge in relation to the operation of design in the identified context.

LO3: Critically analyse, interpret and reflect on key research findings, and present these in support of decision-making regarding the project's direction.

LO4: Apply a wide range of advanced professional design skills, techniques and practices to develop and propose informed, imaginative and challenging design concepts informed by key research findings.

LO5: Critically reflect on the potential impacts of proposed design outcomes within socio-cultural 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: Matt Sinclair
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 6 A series of 6 lectures will focus on the application of practical core skills for applied design research.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 16 Following each lecture, practical workshop sessions will provide you with support to plan and implement your design research activity.
Face To Face Project Supervision 28 You will work under supervision and guidance of one or more tutors, with whom you will meet regularly to discuss, plan, evaluate and develop your project. This may take place in one-to-one meetings, or in supportive small group settings.
Online Guided independent study 350 Following guidance and direction received from supervisors, you will work independently to plan, develop and deliver your design research project and design concepts informed by the findings of your research. You will be provided with a studio space on campus in which to work alongside the supportive community of your peers, and the support of technical staff in our workshops.
Total Study Hours400
Expected Total Study Hours for Module400


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 50 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period , WORDS= See Description In Design Major Project Part 1, you will: identify and contextualise a subject for investigation through design research; plan and conduct this research; analyse and reflect on findings; and utilise the knowledge you have gained through research to inform the direction and nature of proposed design concepts.In completing the Design Definition submission of this module, you will be expected to assemble a portfolio of work which documents the exploration and development of initial design concepts, based on the research you have conducted and the Design Brief you have written. Through discussion with your project tutor, this material should be organised, structured and presented in order to effectively communicate the story of your project and proposed direction for future project development in Design Major Project Part 2 (next trimester).
Report 50 1~2~3~4~5 Week 8 , WORDS= 6000 words In Design Major Project Part 1, you will: identify and contextualise a subject for investigation through design research; plan and conduct this research; analyse and reflect on findings; and utilise the knowledge you have gained through research to inform the direction and nature of proposed design concepts.In completeing the Design Research submission of this module, you will be expected to undertake Contextual Research in order to identify an area for further, original investigation. You will then conduct primary research using appropriate methods, and conduct analysis of your findings in order to reveal design opportunites that can be developed further in your Major Project. In Submission 1, you will present your research in a professional and designerly document, making use of high quality images and diagrams to summarise and explain your work. An important feature of the Conclusion of your Research Report is a Project Brief, which will inform the Portfolio you produce for Submission 2, and the work you do in Design Major Project Part 2 (next trimester).
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Major Project - Design Research
 

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