Product Design - Course Outline

Teaching and Assessment

Key to the philosophy of BSc (Hons) Product Design is an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. This means that students are taught modules in both design and technology subjects. You will have technology lectures and labs alongside design lectures and product design studio classes. Staff on the course work closely with you to help you use a range of acquired skills through a carefully tailored programme of product design projects. In Levels 3 and 4 you can tailor your individual learning programme through a suite of elective modules. The course aims to give you the space to be trained but importantly to build the kind of strong product design portfolio that employers are looking for.

Another unique feature of Product Design is the close relationship that we share with the Digital Interaction Design course at the University of Dundee. Facilitated by some shared modules you will have the opportunity to design great new experiences through physical objects and also begin to understand and develop digital interactions, which may be embedded within products or be screen-based.

Typically, assessment in the design modules is through designed products, services or interactions which are presented to the class. You are trained and encouraged to present in a range of formats in such a way that you are given a good grounding in graphics, media (web-pages, blogs, short-films) prototyping and verbal skills. In technology modules, assessment is through a mixture of coursework (technical reports), exams and team practical projects. Through this variety of ways of assessing we build your skills and confidence in the life-long skill of presenting your thinking and skills to an audience.

Level 1

A suite of modules that introduce you to core design skills, people centred research methods and ask you to respond to your first product design briefs.

Level 2

Modules that build on the skills you have acquired in the first year with a particular emphasis on

• Technology for designers including materials and manufacturing, electronics, structural mechanics and CAD
• Coding and electronics
• Prototyping and form
• Designing with people and design process

Level 3

The third year encourages you to deepen your learning from the earlier years of the course with modules, which ask you to

• Develop working prototypes by embedding technology in products
• Participate in industry led projects
• Explore digital manufacturing methods
• Tailor your programme by choosing from a suite of elective modules

Level 4

The final year allows you to devote most of your time to your own personal project. Staff help you to develop your own area of expertise and prepare you for employment

• Major personal project
• Elective modules (dissertation/design and the market/made in china)
• Degree show exhibition
• Portfolio preparation

To apply to study Product Design at DJCAD, University of Dundee, submit your application to UCAS using Institution Code D65 and Course Code W240.